Sarah Ferguson Called ‘Greedy’ and ‘an Appalling Judge of Character’ Over Epstein Files
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of sexual abuse that some readers may find distressing.
The latest release of more than three million documents from the US Department of Justice has reignited the firestorm surrounding Sarah Ferguson. The files, made public in early February, suggest that her links to the late financier were far deeper and far more recent than previously admitted. This bombshell revelation has led to a collapse of her charitable standing, with her own international organization, Sarah’s Trust, announcing its closure this week. Critics are now pointing to the ‘appalling’ judgement of character showcased in her private correspondence, which paints a picture of a woman groveling to Epstein for social and financial favors.
While Ferguson publicly vowed in 2011 to have nothing ever to do with Epstein ever again, the new tranche of emails tells a different story. In one exchange, the former Duchess reportedly described the disgraced financier as being like a ‘brother’ to her. Another gushing message, sent after he provided financial assistance for her business ventures, went even further, with her writing that she had no words to describe her “love and gratitude” for his generosity. The disclosures also suggest a disturbing level of closeness between Epstein and the York family, with the former Duchess also sharing intimate details about her daughters, especially Eugenie, with the late financier.
As the files become public, observers have been quick to condemn the former royal’s conduct. Writing for The Spectator, Alexander Larman was scathing, noting that Ferguson appeared “variously greedy” and “an appalling judge of character.” He further noted that while Ferguson seemed aware of Epstein’s transactional nature, she remained tethered to him. “She was sufficiently self-aware to write in 2011 that: ‘It was sooooo crystal clear to me that you were only friends with me to get to Andrew. And that really hurt me deeeply. More than you will know."
Despite this realization, the documents suggest she continued to court his favor, even reportedly taking her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, to visit him in Florida just five days after he was released from prison for child sex offences. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams has also chimed in on the conversation, telling Royal Insider that the revelations highlight a pattern of unroyal behavior that dates back decades. “She knew perfectly well that Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted paedophile, but he did have money. Reportedly around a billion dollars,” he stated, also adding, “What is so despicable about her messages to him is the way that she grovels.”
Fitzwilliams characterized Ferguson’s decision to involve her daughters in the relationship with the disgraced financier as a calculated move to maintain his support. “This was grossly irresponsible. They obviously should not have gone. Beatrice was 20 and Eugenie 19,” he highlighted, also adding, “But taking them to see him was presumably part of the act to flatter him, as she and Andrew used invitations to royal palaces and homes and to milestone birthday parties to keep Epstein within their orbit.”
A spokesperson for the former Duchess previously claimed that some of her more gushing emails were sent under duress to avoid defamation lawsuits from Epstein. However, the sheer volume of the 2026 release, which includes references to her as “Sarah” and her ex-husband as “The Duke,” has made the defense increasingly difficult to maintain.
If you are being subjected to sexual abuse, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)