Several charitable organizations have cut ties with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, after an email surfaced in which she referred to the disgraced Jeffrey Epstein as a “supreme friend.” Among the seven charities that have removed the duchess as their patron are the British Heart Foundation (BHS), The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Prevent Breast Cancer, Julia’s House, Children’s Literacy Charity, and National Foundation for Retired Service Animals. The BHS spokesperson confirmed that Sarah, Duchess of York, is no longer an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation.
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation expressed being “disturbed” by the recent revelations and stated that Sarah Ferguson had not been actively involved with the charity for several years. The founders of the charity decided it would be inappropriate for her to remain associated. Similarly, Prevent Breast Cancer announced that the Duchess of York is no longer a patron and thanked her for her previous support.
Additionally, Teenage Cancer Trust ended its 35-year relationship with the duchess as a patron, thanking her for past support. Children’s Literacy Charity also severed ties with the duchess due to recent information concerning her connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Similarly, Julia’s House decided it was inappropriate for her to continue as a patron and communicated this decision to her.
The controversial email to Epstein, dated April 26, 2011, revealed the duchess apologizing to him for previous statements linking him to paedophilia. She expressed remorse for her judgment error and vowed to have no further association with him. Reports indicate that she sent another apologetic email to Epstein a month later, expressing fear and apologizing for causing distress.
The Duchess of York’s interactions with Epstein have led to the termination of her patronage with multiple charities, citing inappropriate associations and the need to distance themselves from the controversy.