Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, has been identified in photographs contained within the trove of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Images Released by US Department of Justice
The images were part of thousands of documents published on the U.S. Department of Justice's website on Friday evening. They show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ex-wife in two separate scenes. In one, she is posing for a photograph with an individual on a street. In another, she is seen engaged in conversation with a woman while seated on a sofa.
Ferguson appears to be wearing the same outfit in both pictures: a long purple coat over a black dress. However, it remains unclear whether the photographs were captured on the same day. The context for the images and the exact date they were taken have not been provided.
No Wrongdoing Implied by Presence in Files
It is crucial to note that the photographs featuring the former Duchess, often known as Fergie, do not depict any illicit activity. Simply appearing in these files is not evidence of wrongdoing. The documents have been released with limited explanation, and their inclusion does not imply guilt or involvement in Epstein's crimes.
Broader Royal Repercussions Continue
The emergence of these photographs follows a period of intense scrutiny and significant consequences for both Sarah Ferguson and her former husband, Prince Andrew. King Charles officially stripped Andrew of his HRH style and princely title last month, citing "serious lapses" of judgment. His dukedom was also removed from the Roll of the Peerage.
Furthermore, the Duke has been compelled to relinquish his Windsor home, Royal Lodge, and is expected to move to a residence on the King's private Sandringham estate next year.
Ferguson herself lost her Duchess title as scrutiny over their association with Epstein intensified. She has subsequently been dropped as an ambassador by several charities and was forced to withdraw the sale of an upcoming children's book.
In related imagery from the document release, the former Prince Andrew is pictured smiling and lying on a bench as Ghislaine Maxwell, now imprisoned, looks on.
