Sarah Ferguson’s charity has announced it will close “for the foreseeable future” following fresh revelations about the former duchess’s relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
A spokesman for Sarah’s Trust said: “Our chair Sarah Ferguson and the board of trustees have agreed that with regret the charity will shortly close for the foreseeable future.”
“This has been under discussion and in train for some months,” they added.
Epstein files: Catch up on the latest developments
The spokesman said “we remain extremely proud of the work of the trust over recent years”, including delivering aid during the pandemic and to those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
It comes as the release of more of the Epstein files last Friday revealed further the extent of the former duchess’s relationship with the deceased billionaire.
More emails to Epstein from a sender believed to be Ms Ferguson emerged on Monday – including two from 2010.
‘I am at your service. Just marry me.’
On the evening of 30 January 2010, an account called “Sarah” told Epstein he was a “legend” and added: “I really don’t have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness.
“I am at your service. Just marry me.”
Sky News believes the sender was the former duchess. There is no indication as to what the email was in response to, or any further context around the message.
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In another email in September 2010, a user called “Ferg” – which Sky News also believes to be Ms Ferguson – asked Epstein when he was going to “employ” her.
The financier, who was found dead in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, replies that he will visit London in the coming weeks to “talk about it”, adding: “I have never let you down.”
“Ferg” responds: “Nor I you.. And bever [sic] will. My friendship is steadfast to the end, even after the body is cold .. Love you now and always.. And I know you do tooo ..”
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In a 2011 interview, Ms Ferguson said: “I would never have anything to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again. I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children. It was a gigantic error of judgment.”
That came three years after Epstein’s guilty plea in 2008 to soliciting prostitution, including with a minor.
Being named in the Epstein files is not a sign of wrongdoing.
