Sarah Ferguson’s charity, Sarah’s Trust, has announced that it will close “for the foreseeable future,” just days after new details surfaced about the former Duchess of York’s friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A foundation spokeswoman stated that the decision was made after “some months” of discussion.
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) disclosed more than three million records last week, including emails that appear to show Ferguson was in communication with Epstein while he was in prison for soliciting sex from a minor.
According to its website, Sarah’s Trust was founded in 2020 and is “dedicated to supporting frontline, grassroots work to address the humanitarian and environmental crisis, the hunger crisis, and issues perpetuating cycles of extreme poverty”.
“Our chair Sarah Ferguson and the board of trustees have agreed that with regret the charity will shortly close for the foreseeable future,” a spokesman said on Monday evening.
“This has been under discussion and in train for some months,” he added.
The foundation did not disclose any information about its decision to close.
Previous revelations surrounding the former duchess’ ties to Epstein led to her being dropped as a patron or ambassador for a series of charities last year.
Julia’s House, a children’s hospice, was the first to remove her, stating that it was “inappropriate” for her to stay in the role.
The Teenage Cancer Trust, Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, Children’s Literacy Charity, National Foundation for Retired Service Animals, and Prevent Breast Cancer all declared that Ferguson would no longer be their patron.
The British Heart Foundation announced that she would no longer be its ambassador.
The most recent release of Epstein-related papers included pictures of Ferguson’s ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over a female lying on the floor.
Mountbatten-Windsor has continuously and firmly denied any wrongdoing, and his office has been asked for comment.
In the latest tranche of files released by the DoJ, the former duchess is seen praising Epstein as the “brother I have always wished for”.
In another email, Ferguson appears to congratulate Epstein on the arrival of a “baby boy”.
Other emails revolve around Ferguson’s business, Mothers Army, and she asks the paedophile financier for assistance on how to get it off the ground.
Epstein was released from prison on July 22, 2009, after serving 13 months of his 18-month sentence. An email dated 14 June 2009 from a “Sarah” says: “I need to ask you how I start The Mothers Army company so it can be commercial; how do I do that? “Can you help me?”
Then on the 26 June 2009, “Sarah” writes to Epstein saying: “I am alive… yes I did go to the first lady and she loved the Mothers Army. I am going to call you later Love you”.
