Sarah Ferguson sent Epstein email 'after he threatened to destroy her family'

Prince Andrew’s paedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein threatened to “destroy” the Duke of York’s family after Sarah Ferguson attacked the American despite accepting £15,000 from him.

The Duchess of York is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny after it was revealed she sent an apology email to the convicted sex offender following her comments. In the 2011 correspondence, sent in April, she described Epstein as a “supreme friend” despite her having publicly disowned him weeks earlier.

This week's revelation prompted a slew of charities to cut ties with her, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, ending a 35-year association. Others included Julia’s House, Prevent Breast Cancer, The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals, and the British Heart Foundation, which confirmed she is no longer a serving ambassador.

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Now, James Henderson, Ferguson’s spokesperson at the time, described a phone call Epstein made as “really menacing and nasty” with the financier speaking in a “Hannibal Lecter-type voice.” “It was a chilling call and I’m surprised anybody was ever friends with him given the way he talked to me,” Henderson said.

“He said he would destroy the York family, and he was quite clear on that. He said he would destroy me. He wasn’t shouting. He was very cold and calm and really menacing and nasty.

“The pressure she was put under to protect her family must have been huge. And this was long before the Duke’s life had been ruined by his association with Epstein. Her family and children will always come first for her.”

The call came after Ferguson’s March 7, 2011 interview in which she apologised for accepting £15,000 from Epstein. She said: “I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf.

"I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can, I will repay the money and have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again.”

Weeks later, Ferguson emailed Epstein, saying: “I know you feel hellaciously let down by me. And I must humbly apologise to you and your heart for that.

"You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family. I was advised in no uncertain terms, to have nothing to do with you and to not speak or email you.

"And if I did – I would cause more problems to you, the Duke and myself. I was broken and lost. So please understand. I didn’t want to hurt Andrew one more time. I was in over-riding fear. I am sorry.”

Epstein's threat to the York family came amid claims that he maintained files, photographs and video recordings of influential men he entertained, allegedly to use as leverage if required. Several charities have cited Fergie’s email as the reason for severing ties.

Julia’s House stated it was “inappropriate for her to continue as a patron of the charity,” while the founders of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation said they were “disturbed” by the messages. Other organisations thanked Ferguson for her previous contributions.

Ferguson was due to read from her children’s book Flora & Fern: Kindness Along The Way at Waterstones in Kensington on October 9, but the chain confirmed that the event was cancelled after the publication date was moved. Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges; his death was ruled a suicide.

Despite her divorce from Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, Ferguson continues to share Royal Lodge in Windsor, meaning her income from books, appearances, and projects indirectly benefits him.

Observers note that the timing of the email, and its re-emergence, raises questions about her judgment and her ties to one of the most notorious figures in recent history. The scandal marks a dramatic setback for Ferguson, once one of the Royal Family’s most beloved members.