Duchess Dropped: Sarah Ferguson's Apology to Epstein Shocks Charities

ROyal Scandal Rocks Buckingham Palace: Duchess of York Dropped by Charity Amid Epstein Scandal

In a bombshell move that's left royal watchers reeling, charity Julia's House has dropped Sarah Ferguson as its patron in light of new revelations about her contact with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The decision comes as the Duchess of York and her ex-husband Prince Andrew face mounting pressure over their associations with the late sex offender.

The latest scandal broke when the Mail on Sunday obtained an email sent by Fergie to Epstein in 2011, just weeks after she publicly disowned him amid allegations of child abuse. In the email, Sarah gushed about Epstein's supposed kindness and generosity, dubbing him a "steadfast, generous and supreme friend." She even went so far as to apologize for letting him down, claiming that she had only distanced herself from him to save her own reputation.

But sources close to the Duchess claim that the email was sent in response to an aggressive threat from Epstein, who allegedly threatened to sue Fergie for defamation. "He was a nasty, unpleasant and very threatening man," said one insider. "She acted on advice to try and get him to drop the threat, which he subsequently did."

The revelations have sparked outrage among charity supporters, with many calling for the Duchess to be stripped of her patronages altogether. Julia's House, which supports children with life-limiting conditions, was quick to distance itself from Fergie, releasing a statement that read: "Following the information shared this weekend on the Duchess of York's correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, Julia's House has taken the decision that it would be inappropriate for her to continue as a patron of the charity."

The decision is just the latest blow to Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, who have both been embroiled in controversy over their associations with Epstein. The Duke of York has already lost his public duties and offices due to his ties to the convicted sex offender, but sources suggest that he may also face restrictions on attending private family events.

King Charles is said to be exploring ways to limit Andrew's access to royal gatherings, including cutting off his private funding and withdrawing his security. "It's about the last sanction he may be able to take," said a source close to the palace. "There's a real fear that there might be more of this to come."

The bombshell email obtained by The Scholarly Note has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Fergie to be held accountable for her association with Epstein. In it, she writes: "Sometimes the heart speaks better than the words. You have my heart. With lots of love, dear Jeffrey." She even goes so far as to reassure him that she had never described him as a paedophile.

But the email is just one of several obtained by The Scholarly Note that suggest Fergie's involvement with Epstein went far beyond a simple friendship. In another email sent in January 2011, she writes: "How can I thank you enough? You are a friend indeed and I will one day give it back to you."

Sources close to the palace claim that Charles has tried everything in his power to ring-fence his brother from the scandal. He's even offered Andrew alternative accommodation, including Harry and Meghan's former home at Frogmore Cottage.

But despite the efforts of King Charles, the damage may already be done. The latest revelations come just weeks before Fergie is due to publish her new children's book, Kindness Along The Way. Insiders suggest that publishers and charities may now distance themselves from her altogether.

Sarah Ferguson's association with Epstein dates back to the 1990s, when she was introduced to him by American businesswoman Lynn Forester de Rothschild. In a testimony published last month, Ghislaine Maxwell described Fergie as a "frenemy" who lusted after Epstein.

Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre has also spoken out about her alleged experiences with the Duchess and Prince Andrew. She claimed that they trafficked her to the Duke of York when she was just 17 years old, and that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by him.

The scandal has left many questioning how Fergie and Prince Andrew managed to maintain such close ties to Epstein despite his notorious reputation as a sex offender. One royal biographer has suggested that they may have been motivated by financial gain, pointing out that the couple had racked up significant debts in the years leading up to their association with Epstein.

The bombshell email obtained by The Scholarly Note raises more questions than answers about Fergie's involvement with Epstein. Was she genuinely taken in by his lies, or did she have ulterior motives? And what does this mean for her future as a children's author and charity patron?

One thing is certain: the scandal will continue to rock Buckingham Palace for weeks to come.