Sarah Ferguson publicly criticized Epstein. In private, she apologized to her ‘supreme friend’
Almost a decade and a half after her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996, Sarah Ferguson found herself in a difficult financial situation. Facing mounting rent debt and a sense of isolation, she was searching for a new professional path. Amid these challenges, Ferguson turned to her friend, Jeffrey Epstein, for support and guidance. CNN’s analysis of numerous documents from the Justice Department’s ‘Epstein library’ uncovered a pattern of admiration toward the financier, even after his 2008 Florida conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
A Relationship Marked by Contrasts
Ferguson referred to Epstein as her “spectacular and special friend” and “the brother I have always wished for.” Despite his incarceration, she expressed pride in him, writing, “I am so proud of you” during his jail time. Yet, in a public interview, she linked Epstein to pedophilia, a criticism that stood in stark contrast to her private sentiments. Emails later revealed her remorse for those remarks, as she sought to reconcile her public stance with her private loyalty to Epstein.
“You are a legend, and I am so proud of you.”
Epstein, meanwhile, remained a key figure in Ferguson’s life. He proposed the creation of a company called “Mothers Army,” aiming to assist mothers in need through corporate sponsorship. Ferguson responded enthusiastically, vowing to develop a “business plan” and even requesting his help with trademarking the initiative. She also asked for strategic advice to avoid “F… Up the business and commercial arm.”
Epstein’s influence extended beyond their personal relationship. Emails show he leveraged Ferguson’s name to connect friends with royal institutions, including Buckingham Palace Apartments. In 2009, he informed a couple that Ferguson had “said she could organize tea in the buckingham palace apts.. or windsor castle.” Whether these plans came to fruition remains uncertain.
The Ripple Effect of Epstein’s Legacy
Ferguson’s ex-husband, Prince Andrew, also faced scrutiny for his ties to Epstein. He was stripped of royal titles, expelled from the monarchy, and relocated from his home at the Crown’s Windsor Estate. In February 2023, he was arrested on charges of public office misconduct, highlighting the broader impact of Epstein’s network. Six of Ferguson’s affiliated companies subsequently ceased operations following the release of Epstein-related records, CNN previously reported.
Despite these developments, Ferguson has not been charged with any crimes connected to Epstein. The appearance of her name in the financier’s files does not necessarily imply wrongdoing. CNN has contacted her representative for further comments.
Epstein’s 18-month prison sentence was still ongoing in April 2009 when Ferguson reached out. She asked if they could meet for tea during her brief stop in Palm Beach, and he agreed, responding with a simple “yes.” Shortly after, he sent an email praising her appearance and outlining his vision for Mothers Army. Ferguson’s reply was effusive, calling him “my dear spectacular and special friend” and expressing admiration for his ideas.
By July 2009, following Epstein’s release, Ferguson was eager to meet him in person. Emails from that month indicated plans to gather at Buckingham Palace, though it is unclear if the meeting took place. The project, which was officially registered in October 2011 and dissolved in December 2016, had Ferguson listed as a director, according to public records.
