Several charities have ended their association with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, after an email surfaced where she referred to the disgraced figure Jeffrey Epstein as a “supreme friend.” The organizations that have dropped the duchess as their patron include the British Heart Foundation (BHS), The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Prevent Breast Cancer, Julia’s House, Children’s Literacy Charity, and the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals.
A spokesperson from the British Heart Foundation confirmed that Sarah, Duchess of York, is no longer serving as an ambassador for the organization, expressing gratitude for her previous support in funding research on cardiovascular disease. The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation stated that they were disturbed by the revelation and decided to sever ties with the duchess due to the recent information.
Prevent Breast Cancer also announced that the Duchess of York is no longer their patron and thanked her for her past support. Similarly, Teenage Cancer Trust ended their 35-year relationship with the duchess as a patron, conveying appreciation for her previous assistance.
Children’s Literacy Charity and Julia’s House have also cut ties with the duchess following the emergence of information regarding her correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision was made based on the inappropriateness of her association with the charities given the circumstances.
The email in question, dated April 26, 2011, revealed the duchess apologizing to Epstein and describing him as a supportive friend, despite her public stance against his actions. Reports indicate that she expressed fear and regret in subsequent communications with Epstein, acknowledging her error in judgment and the impact on her relationship with him and her family.
The charities’ decisions to disassociate from the Duchess of York reflect the impact of her connections and communications with Epstein, leading to a shift in their patronage arrangements.
