The Duchess of York is facing renewed scrutiny after two newspapers published an email in which she described Jeffrey Epstein as a “supreme friend” despite his conviction for sex offences.
The message, said to have been sent in 2011, was revealed by The Sun and the Mail on Sunday. It appears to contradict Sarah Ferguson’s public statements at the time, when she described her involvement with Epstein as a “gigantic error of judgment” and promised never to have contact with him again.
In the email, the Duchess wrote: “As you know, I did not, absolutely not, say the ‘P word’ about you but understand it was reported that I did. I know you feel hellaciously let down by me. You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family.”
A spokesman for the Duchess said the email was sent only after Epstein threatened to sue her for defamation. “This email was sent in the context of advice the Duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats,” they said. “She does not resile from anything she said then. Her first thoughts remain with his victims.”
The revelations resurface awkward questions about Epstein’s enduring connections with prominent figures. His death in 2019, while awaiting trial for sex trafficking, did little to silence speculation about the powerful circles he cultivated.
The Duchess’s former husband, the Duke of York, stepped back from public duties after settling a civil claim brought by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to him by Epstein.
The publication of the email follows fresh disclosures from a US congressional inquiry, which recently released documents detailing Epstein’s relationships with figures including Lord Mandelson, whose role as ambassador to Washington was abruptly terminated.
The renewed attention underscores how Epstein’s shadow continues to haunt the establishment.
