Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has faced significant fallout from her past association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, leading to several charities severing their ties with her as patron. This controversy stems from an email in which the Duchess reportedly described Epstein as a "supreme friend." Six organizations have publicly distanced themselves from her role, citing the inappropriateness of continued association given the recent revelations.

Among the charities that have ended their partnerships are the British Heart Foundation (BHF), The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Prevent Breast Cancer, Julia's House, and the Children's Literacy Charity. A spokesman for the BHF confirmed that Sarah Ferguson is "no longer serving as an ambassador" and thanked her for her past support. The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation expressed its dismay, stating that the Duchess had not been actively involved for some years but that her continued association would be "inappropriate." Similarly, Prevent Breast Cancer, Teenage Cancer Trust (after a 35-year partnership), Children's Literacy Charity, and Julia's House all communicated their decisions to end her patronage, citing the information that had come to light regarding her correspondence with Epstein.

The focal point of the controversy is an email sent by the Duchess to Epstein on April 26, 2011. This message was sent mere weeks after she had reportedly told journalists that she would "never have anything to do with" the convicted sex offender again. The Sun newspaper highlighted parts of the email where Ferguson "humbly apologised" to Epstein for associating him with paedophilia in the press, describing him as "steadfast" and "generous." She also conveyed being "bedridden with fear" and "paralysed," explaining that she had been advised "in no uncertain terms" to avoid contact with him to prevent further problems for him, "the Duke," and herself, expressing sorrow for not wanting to "hurt Andrew one more time."

This private correspondence stands in stark contrast to her earlier public declaration to the publication, where she stated: "I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can, I will repay the money and have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again." The disclosure of her internal apologies and continued friendly overtures to Epstein has ultimately led to the widespread severing of her charitable patronages.