2010 Emails Reveal Sarah Ferguson Invited Epstein to ‘Intimate’ Palace Celebrations
The invitation, allegedly sent by Sarah Ferguson, dates to 2010.
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of sexual abuse that some readers may find distressing.
The newly released emails between the infamous Jeffrey Epstein and Sarah Ferguson are now only painting a picture of how closely he remained woven into the York family’s private world. The latest tranche of Epstein files suggests that Ferguson personally invited the late convicted felon to a small, private birthday celebration at a royal palace to mark the then Prince Andrew’s 50th birthday — despite his conviction for child s-- offences.
According to the documents, the former Duchess of York organised an “intimate” gathering for her ex-husband in February 2010, with Epstein listed among those invited. And what is the most striking part here is that Epstein had only recently served a prison sentence after pleading guilty in Florida for engaging in illegal conduct with minors (as young as 14), yet the emails indicate he was still being welcomed into royal circles.
The invitation was sent by email. And it did not only come from Ferguson but explicitly included their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Addressed directly to Epstein, it extended a warm and familiar welcome to celebrate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at St James’s Palace in London.
The email read, “Dear Jeffrey, Beatrice, Eugenie, and I would love to invite you to celebrate the 50 years of Papa/Andrew. It will be on February 26th, 2010, from 7:30 pm for Drinks and from 8:30 pm for Dinner, at St James's Palace, London. It will be suits and cocktail dresses, and you know me, mysterious mischef, so bring your presents, your presence and your humour!”
The email was sent by Mountbatten-Windsor’s former aide, Amanda Thirsk, who asked Epstein to RSVP directly to her. He was also advised that photographic identification would be required to gain entry to the palace. However, reportedly, Epstein did not attend. He had a very cold and brief reply to the email, writing only, “not able.” This is particularly notable given that the invitation came around the same period Epstein was reportedly helping Ferguson manage significant personal debts, according to The Daily Mail.
The party Ferguson organised was separate from a larger, more formal celebration arranged by Mountbatten-Windsor’s parents. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip hosted a grand birthday event for their son closer to his actual birthday on February 19, welcoming more than 300 guests to Buckingham Palace.
This was not Epstein’s first appearance at a royal birthday celebration. In 2000, he attended Andrew’s 40th birthday party at Windsor Castle, arriving with his then-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. That event took place before Epstein’s convictions. Maxwell, who played a central role in Epstein’s abuse network, is now serving a 20-year prison sentence for s-- trafficking.
If you are being subjected to sexual assault, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you know of any children who are being subjected to abuse, please contact The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 422-4453
