Sarah Ferguson has stayed out of the spotlight since alleged emails to Jeffrey Epstein emerged – and now her reported next move could be in jeopardy
Samantha Masters Content Editor and Eleanor Burleigh
14:20, 21 Mar 2026
The former duchess was thrown out of Royal Lodge with her ex-husband in February(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images)
Sarah Ferguson’s anticipated “next move” risks being undermined due to her connection to the Jeffrey Epstein controversy. The ex-Duchess of York, whose location has remained undisclosed since her removal from Royal Lodge in Windsor together with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in February, had allegedly received six-figure interview proposals from American media organisations following her departure from royal duties.
However, new disclosures regarding her personal association with the paedophile financier might threaten her profitable career opportunities, it has been indicated. Max Goldbart, international TV editor at American publication Deadline, stated: “It is hard to tell whether they would now believe she is too tainted.”
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) published a fresh batch of “Epstein files” earlier this year, featuring emails in which Sarah described Epstein as “the brother I have always wished for”, following his 2008 sex crime conviction.
As part of an email exchange, she also described him as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend”.
The mother to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie hasn’t denied sending the email, but she and her representatives have claimed it was something done under pressure and not reflective of her true feelings. Being mentioned in the files is no evidence of wrongdoing.
Sarah Ferguson has kept a low profile in recent months (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
While a revealing interview might be ruled out, and could prove to be “somewhat jarring”, it would “undoubtedly make for good TV”, Mr Goldbart informed the BBC.
“American audiences are fascinated by the Royal Family psychodrama, especially where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is currently confirmed,” he stated, reports the Express.
Should the rumoured proposals be withdrawn, it will represent another setback for the 66-year-old, who had her titles removed by the King last year and might now be at risk of losing her freedom of the City of York.
She received the honour as a wedding gift in 1987, but York City Council has arranged a meeting on March 26 with the specific purpose of considering whether to remove it.
Andrew’s freedom of the City of York was stripped in 2022, marking the first time anyone had ever had the honour revoked.
Andrew and Sarah lived together at Royal Lodge for years after their divorce(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The couple have also faced mounting pressure to provide evidence to lawmakers regarding their connections to Epstein, with members of Congress suggesting Sarah could offer “information related to the investigation”.
Six companies associated with the former duchess also began winding down following the publication of the “Epstein files”, according to Companies House records.
Sarah’s Trust, a charity she established in 2018, also announced it would shut “for the foreseeable future” just days after fresh details of her friendship with Epstein came to light in January.
Meanwhile, Andrew has kept a low profile since leaving Royal Lodge and is believed to be staying at his temporary residence, Wood Farm, on the Sandringham Estate.