UK Charities Sever Ties with Duchess of York over 2011 Epstein Apology Email

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and ex-wife of Prince Andrew, has been cut loose by six UK charities after emails from 2011 surfaced in which she referred to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a "steadfast, generous and supreme friend" and apologized for publicly disowning him. The emails revealed that Ferguson was advised to give a critical interview about Epstein to protect her career as a children's author and philanthropist, yet she later sent a personal apology to Epstein expressing regret for her public condemnation. Charities including Julia's House, Teenage Cancer Trust, British Heart Foundation, The Children’s Literacy Charity, Prevent Breast Cancer, and The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation have all ended their patronage or association with her in response. Julia's House stated it was inappropriate for her to continue as a patron, while others expressed being disturbed by her correspondence with Epstein. Ferguson's spokesperson clarified that the apology email was sent under advice to assuage Epstein and his threats, emphasizing her regret over the association and her disavowal of any wrongdoing. This development marks a significant fallout for Ferguson, who had maintained close ties with Prince Andrew despite his own controversies linked to Epstein.