Royal Scandal Deepens as Charity Severs Ties
Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, has been removed as patron of British children's charity Julia's House following revelations about her 2011 email correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The charity, which supports children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, announced the decision after British newspapers reported on the controversial email.
The Controversial Email
According to reports, Ferguson sent an email to Epstein in 2011 describing him as a "generous and dearest friend to me and my family." This communication occurred shortly after she had publicly distanced herself from Epstein in an interview, stating: "What he did was wrong and he has been rightly punished. I find pedophilia and sexual abuse of children abhorrent."
The email contained contradictory statements, with Ferguson writing: "I absolutely did not use the P-word about you, although it was written that way. I understand you are disappointed in me. You have always been a loyal, generous and dearest friend to me and my family."
Charity's Swift Action
Julia's House issued a statement confirming the termination of Ferguson's patronage: "Following the information that came to light this weekend about the Duchess of York's correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, Julia's House has decided it is inappropriate to continue with her as patron. We have informed her of that decision and thank her for her support."
The charity, which provides vital support to seriously ill children and their families across Dorset and Wiltshire, had appointed Ferguson as patron in 2018. Her removal marks another significant blow to the reputation of the extended royal family.
Ferguson's Defense
A spokesperson for Ferguson claimed the email was sent to prevent Epstein from taking legal action against her. "She was, like many others, taken in by his lies, but as soon as she understood how far the charges went, she not only ended the relationship but also publicly distanced herself from him," the spokesperson stated.
Ferguson, who was married to Prince Andrew from 1986 to 1996, met Epstein through her former husband. Prince Andrew himself has faced serious allegations of sexual abuse involving a young woman at Epstein's home, leading to a settlement and the effective end of his public royal duties.
This latest development underscores the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and its continuing impact on high-profile figures associated with the disgraced financier. Source: BBC News