Sarah Ferguson’s global charity, Sarah’s Trust, has declared its closure “for the foreseeable future” following recent revelations about the former duchess’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A spokesperson for Sarah’s Trust stated that the decision to shut down the charity had been made by Sarah Ferguson and the board of trustees. The charity, which has collaborated with more than 60 organizations in over 20 countries, has been involved in various initiatives such as education, healthcare, crisis response, and environmental projects. Notably, the charity distributed over 150,000 aid parcels during the Covid-19 pandemic, offered medical aid in conflict-ridden Ukraine, and facilitated education for more than 200 children in Ghana.
The closure announcement comes in the wake of the release of over three million documents from Epstein’s estate, which included emails from Sarah Ferguson expressing admiration for Epstein and referring to him as a supportive figure in her life. Despite the correspondence, appearing in the Epstein files does not imply any wrongdoing on the part of the former Duchess of York. The emails also revealed exchanges where Sarah Ferguson enthusiastically updated Epstein on her business ventures and expressed gratitude for his friendship.
In one email, Sarah Ferguson referred to Epstein as a “legend” and professed her willingness to serve him. Additionally, documents showed that the ex-Duchess invited Epstein to her 50th birthday celebration in 2010, post his release from jail for soliciting prostitution of a minor in 2009. Despite earlier statements distancing herself from Epstein, Sarah Ferguson’s spokesperson clarified that her interactions were influenced by advice to handle Epstein’s alleged threats of legal action.
Furthermore, recent disclosures from the Epstein files included an email from Ghislaine Maxwell to an individual believed to be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, expressing condolences on the Queen mother’s passing. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection to the Epstein scandal.
