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Sarah Ferguson’s Charity Closes After DOJ Epstein Email Leak Reveals Ongoing Ties

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Email Leak Triggers Immediate Charity Shutdown The Department of Justice released a cache of emails on February 2, 2026, showing Sarah Ferguson’s continued correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after his 2008 conviction [1][2]. The revelations prompted the board of Sarah’s Trust to announce on February 3 that the charity would cease operations “for the foreseeable future” [1]. The statement noted that the decision had been under discussion for several months, indicating internal deliberation before the public announcement [1].

Ferguson’s Emails Reveal Personal Affection and Financial Requests In 2009‑2010 messages, Ferguson wrote to Epstein, “Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for,” and later called him “a legend… Just marry me” [2]. A September 2011 email congratulated Epstein on a newborn boy, referencing “The Duke” and offering “love, friendship and congratulations” [2]. In 2009 she asked Epstein for a £20,000 rent loan, citing an ABC News story that questioned her finances [2].

Reputation Management Strategies Discussed in Correspondence One email from a sender identified as “Sarah” told Epstein she would not call him a “P” and acted to “protect my own brand,” highlighting concerns about reputational damage [1]. Epstein’s publicist, Mike Sitrick, advised him to pressure newspapers to stop labeling Ferguson a pedophile and to help her “get the truth out” [2]. The correspondence shows deliberate efforts to shape media narratives rather than any admission of illegal activity [2].

Royal Family Responds, Emphasizing Victim Focus Prince Edward, at the World Governments Summit, stressed the importance of remembering victims amid the scandal [1]. The emails also reference Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, with Ferguson joking about “Eugenie’s shagging weekend” and asking Epstein to say hello to the sisters, then‑aged 21 and 20 [2]. No official comment was provided by Prince Andrew’s representatives regarding the leaked emails [2].

Sources

Timeline

2008 – Jeffrey Epstein pleads guilty to state charges for prostituting minors, creating the legal backdrop for later correspondence with Sarah Ferguson that later emails do not show any illegal acts [1].

2009 – Ferguson emails Epstein thanking him “for being the brother I have always wished for” and later requests a £20,000 rent loan after a business venture collapses, citing an ABC News story that questions her finances [1].

2010 – Ferguson writes to Epstein calling him “a legend… Just marry me,” indicating a personal affection beyond professional ties [1].

2009‑2011 – In exchanges, Ferguson references Princess Beatrice and Eugenie’s weekend plans, asking Epstein to say “hello” to the daughters, reflecting her use of Epstein for personal networking [1].

2009‑2011 – Epstein’s publicist Mike Sitrick advises Ferguson on a reputation‑damage strategy, urging her to get newspapers to stop calling her a pedophile and to consider retracting statements [1].

Mar 2011 – Epstein complains about an Evening Standard story labeling him a pedophile; Ferguson replies she feels “deep regret” about her ties to him, showing awareness of reputational risk [2].

Apr 2011 – A sender identified as “Sarah” tells Epstein she will not call him a “P” and acts to “protect my own brand,” highlighting her focus on personal image amid the scandal [2].

Sep 2011 – Ferguson congratulates Epstein on an alleged baby boy, referencing “The Duke” and offering “love, friendship and congratulations,” demonstrating continued personal contact [1].

Feb 1 2026 – The U.S. Department of Justice releases a cache of 2009‑2011 emails that reveal Ferguson’s ongoing friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, prompting renewed public scrutiny [2].

Feb 3 2026 – Sarah’s Trust announces it will shut down for the foreseeable future after months of internal deliberation, citing the email revelations as the catalyst for the decision [2].

Feb 2026 – At the World Governments Summit, Prince Edward stresses the importance of remembering victims in the context of the Epstein scandal, underscoring the broader societal impact [2].

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