By Dayo Ade Olusola | M10News Reporter | London, 22 September, 2025
Several UK charities have severed links with Sarah, Duchess of York, after revelations that she once sent an email apologising to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for publicly distancing herself from him.
The duchess, Prince Andrew’s former wife, has been dropped as patron by The Teenage Cancer Trust, the British Heart Foundation, Julia’s House children’s hospice, The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the Children’s Literacy Charity, and Prevent Breast Cancer.
The moves follow reports that Sarah Ferguson described Epstein as her “supreme friend” in a message sent to him in 2011.
Julia’s House confirmed it had cut ties. “Following the information shared this weekend on the Duchess of York’s correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, Julia’s House has decided that it would be inappropriate for her to continue as a patron of the charity,” it said.
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation echoed that decision. Founders Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse said they were “disturbed” to read her email. They added:
“She was a patron, but in light of the recent revelations, it would be inappropriate for her to continue to be associated with the charity.”
The Children’s Literacy Charity said it had also asked her to step down, citing the correspondence. “It would be inappropriate for her to continue in the role,” the organisation said.
The Teenage Cancer Trust stated: “We have decided to end our relationship with the Duchess of York.”
The British Heart Foundation confirmed she was “no longer serving as an ambassador,” while Prevent Breast Cancer said it too had cut ties, thanking her for previous support.
According to the Sun on Sunday, the duchess emailed Epstein in April 2011 to apologise after linking him to paedophilia in an interview weeks earlier.
In the email, she allegedly described him as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend” and said she was “humbly apologising.”
Her spokesperson later said the note had been written only because Epstein had threatened to sue her.
The controversy comes more than a decade after the duchess admitted taking £15,000 from Epstein.
In a March 2011 interview with the Evening Standard, she apologised for what she called a “gigantic error of judgment.”
“I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know this was a gigantic error of judgment,” she told the newspaper. “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.”
Despite that public declaration, the Sun on Sunday reported she sent an email weeks later from her private account, apologising again and saying she was “bedridden with fear.”
In a fresh statement this weekend, her spokesperson stressed her past regret and condemned Epstein.
“The duchess spoke of her regret about her association with Epstein many years ago, and as they have always been, her first thoughts are with his victims,” the spokesperson said.
“Like many people, she was taken in by his lies. As soon as she was aware of the extent of the allegations against him, she not only cut off contact but condemned him publicly.”
The spokesperson said Epstein’s threats of legal action explained why the duchess wrote the email.
“This email was sent in the context of advice the duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats,” the statement added.
The duchess has not yet commented directly on the charities’ decisions to cut ties.
