King Charles Reportedly in ‘Despair’ Over Sarah’s Misstep — Expert Warns There's 'More to Come'
The royal family has once again been pulled into controversy, and this time it has to do with Sarah Ferguson. The Duchess of York made headlines after the surfacing of her 2011 email to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, in which she described him as his 'supreme friend,' after condemning him in public. This has stirred fresh debate about her past choices. For King Charles, who has long been sympathetic towards his ex-sister-in-law, this news is known to be particularly disheartening. According to royal commentator Jennie Bond, the King’s patience may be wearing thin.
Speaking to The Mirror, Bond dived deeper into the ongoing scandal and said she imagines Charles “with his head in his hands” after the troubling details about Ferguson emerged. For years, the King has extended his kindness to his former sister-in-law, even inviting her back into family events. “I think Charles will be in despair over this. He has tried to be a decent ex-brother-in-law and include Sarah in family gatherings, after her years of exile. He has undoubtedly felt a kindred sympathy over her cancer problems and, in Sarah’s own words, he has been kind,” Bond argued. However, the Epstein link is a risk to the monarchy.
While Charles may feel torn, Prince William is reportedly less conflicted. According to Bond, the Prince of Wales has long been cautious about bringing Ferguson and Prince Andrew back into the royal circle, with the latest scandal only strengthening his reluctance. Even during the funeral of the Duchess of Kent, reports suggested that the heir apparent kept a safe distance from the Yorks. This highlighted his unwillingness to associate or converse with them publicly. “I think William has always been more suspicious about allowing Andrew and Sarah back into the fold,” she said. “And I suspect he will now be extremely reluctant to share even private family occasions with either of them.”
William's stance, she explains, has to do with the optics. In another interview with iPaper, Bond exclaimed, “The Duchess has become a toxic brand, just like her ex-husband," whose presence is threatening to destabilize public confidence in the Crown. "There is undoubtedly more to come about the Yorks’ association with Jeffrey Epstein, and the whole tasteless tale still threatens to contaminate the monarchy," she asserted. Such remarks mirror what historian Andrew Lownie said while speaking to Marie Claire. He dubbed the Duchess of York the “Houdini of the royal family” but warned she may now be “running out of lives.”
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie continue to carry the weight of their parents’ scandals. Bond opined, "Anyone with a heart must surely feel sorry for them.” However, Ferguson has maintained the stance that the controversial email was written under pressure. Her spokesperson, James Henderson, has explained that Epstein threatened “to destroy the York family” after she criticized him in public. The apology, however, has made little difference, with the Duchess dropped as patron to several charities.