Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, faces fresh allegations that she continued to use properties linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years after publicly stating she had severed all contact with him.
New Claims of Extended Stays
According to royal biographer Andrew Lownie, the Duchess, now 66, was seen entering and leaving a New York City apartment block as late as 2014. This is three years after she publicly disavowed Epstein in 2011. Lownie, author of a biography on Ferguson and Prince Andrew, alleges that multiple eyewitnesses place her at the property.
He claims that Ferguson "regularly used Epstein's flats as free accommodation" while visiting New York, sometimes making trips "twice a month." The specific address is 301 East 66th Street, around the corner from Epstein's own Manhattan townhouse.
Eyewitness Accounts and Special Treatment
Lownie states his sources include neighbours of Epstein, an acquaintance of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the building's doorman. One local resident, Claudine Prabst, reportedly saw Ferguson emerge from the building and later discussed it with staff.
The biographer further alleges that the doormen were instructed to wear their "full dress uniform" whenever Sarah Ferguson was in residence, indicating Epstein "really put the boat out" for his royal guest. The building was owned at the time by Epstein's brother, Mark, who provided Jeffrey with several apartments there at no cost.
Fallout from Leaked Email and Royal Repercussions
These new claims emerge as Sarah Ferguson continues to deal with the fallout from a leaked 2011 email to Epstein, obtained by the Daily Mail. In that correspondence, she apologised to him, calling him a "steadfast, generous and supreme friend" and cited being "bedridden with fear" and advised to cut contact.
Her representatives have maintained the email was sent "in the context of advice... to try to assuage Epstein and his threats" to sue her. The ongoing scandal surrounding Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has had significant consequences, with the couple reportedly instructed to leave their home at Royal Lodge.
Representatives for Sarah Ferguson have been approached for comment regarding these latest allegations.
