In a significant development, Sarah Ferguson's charity has announced its closure after new details surfaced regarding her friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision follows the release of approximately 3 million files by the US Department of Justice, which shed light on Epstein's interactions with various high-profile individuals.
Charity Closure Amidst Scrutiny
Sarah's Trust, an international charity launched by Ferguson, the former wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, will close "for the foreseeable future" after months of deliberation. A spokesperson for the charity confirmed this move, stating that the board of trustees, including Ferguson as chair, reached this regrettable conclusion. The charity has been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts, partnering with over 60 charities across more than 20 countries to provide education, healthcare, crisis response, and environmental projects.
Impact of Epstein Files Release
The closure comes in the wake of the latest Epstein files release, which included revelations about Ferguson's communications with Epstein. Among these documents, an email from August 2009 shows Ferguson referring to Epstein as "the brother I have always wished for," expressing deep gratitude for his kindness. In another email from April 2009, she called him "my dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey" and praised him as a "legend."
Further emails reveal tensions in their relationship, with Ferguson accusing Epstein in 2011 of only befriending her to gain access to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew. She wrote, "It was soooo crystal clear to me that you were only friends with me to get to Andrew. And that really hurt me deeeply (sic). More than you will know." Additionally, an email from September 2011 suggests Epstein may have had a secret child, with Ferguson noting, "Don't know if you're still on this bbm but have heard from The Duke that you have had a baby boy."
Previous Charitable Repercussions
This is not the first time Ferguson's association with Epstein has affected her charitable work. Previously, seven charities, including the Teenage Cancer Trust and a children's hospice, severed ties and revoked her patronage due to her links with the disgraced financier. Ferguson has publicly expressed regret over her association with Epstein, with her spokesperson stating she does not resile from condemning him.
The charity's closure marks the end of its notable contributions, such as delivering over 150,000 aid parcels during the Covid pandemic, providing medical aid and training for those affected by the war in Ukraine, and offering education for over 200 children in Ghana. Despite these achievements, the ongoing scrutiny from the Epstein revelations has led to this decisive step.
