Sarah Ferguson’s charitable trust, Sarah’s Trust, is closing following the release of new emails linking her to Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by the BBC. The closure adds to the ongoing scandal surrounding the British royal family, with the charity announcing it will shut ‘for the foreseeable future’ after months of discussion.
The decision comes just days after a batch of Epstein documents included emails showing Ferguson’s friendly correspondence with the convicted sex offender. In the emails, Ferguson praised Epstein as a ‘brother I have always wished for’ and wrote, ‘I am at your service. Just marry me.’ She also congratulated him on the arrival of a ‘baby boy,’ though it has never been confirmed if Epstein had children. These exchanges date back to after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes, revealing the depth of their relationship.
These revelations are part of millions of documents released in the Epstein case, exposing connections to high-profile individuals worldwide. Previous reports in September 2025 had already led several charities, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, to cut ties with Ferguson after an email surfaced where she called Epstein a ‘supreme friend.’ The new emails further underscore the ongoing embarrassment for Ferguson and her family, with the charity closure seen as a direct response to the negative publicity.
The impact extends to Ferguson’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who are mentioned in the emails. One exchange references Eugenie’s ‘shagging weekend,’ while others discuss meetings involving the princesses with Epstein. This drags the younger generation into the scandal, despite their efforts to maintain low profiles and pursue independent careers, raising questions about their ability to distance themselves from their parents’ mess.
Financially, the emails reveal Ferguson’s struggles, including a 2009 request for £20,000 from Epstein to pay rent, highlighting her past debts and business failures. The charity closure may further limit her income streams and public engagements, compounding the challenges she faces. Sarah’s Trust had been inactive with Ferguson not involved for some years, but the timing of the shutdown signals the deepening fallout from the Epstein associations.
For the royal family, the scandal continues to pose significant challenges. Prince Andrew has faced renewed pressure to testify about his links to Epstein, and the overall brand of the York family is described as ‘tainted beyond repair’ in media reports. The charity closure is a tangible consequence of the reputational damage, illustrating how Epstein’s legacy continues to affect those connected to him, even years after his death.
Looking ahead, Ferguson’s future in charity work appears uncertain, with few organizations likely to associate with her amid the controversy. The royal family must navigate the fallout, balancing transparency with the need to protect its image. As more documents may emerge, the story underscores the lasting impact of the Epstein case on public figures and institutions, with ongoing legal and social repercussions expected.
