Sarah Ferguson’s Jaw-Dropping Demand from Jeffrey Epstein — And Why She Wasn’t Afraid to Take Princesses to Him

In the shadow of one of the most reviled sex offenders of the 21st century, the former Duchess of York's name is again being whispered with fresh disgrace.

Leaked emails from the bombshell Epstein files have revealed that Sarah Ferguson begged disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to fund a luxury trip for her and her daughters — just hours after he was released from jail in 2009 for child sex offences.

Sarah Ferguson attends on Day 4 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on 20 June 2025 in Ascot, England. | Source: Getty Images

The revelations paint a damning portrait of desperation, privilege, and deeply troubling judgement — with Sarah repeatedly pressing Epstein's staff to upgrade her and her daughters' flights, pushing for first class comforts on a convicted sex offender's dime.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel on 20 April 2025 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

On 22 July 2009, Jeffrey walked free from jail after serving a 13-month sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor. That very same day, emails show, Sarah's staff reached out to his team — asking him to "graciously" cover the cost of her travel to Florida.

In one email titled "The Duchess of York", Jeffrey's assistant Lesley Groff wrote, "Amanda from the Duchess' office just called. She said that you graciously offered to pay for the Duchess to come and visit you. Amanda would like to speak to [redacted] about flights."

Sarah Ferguson arrives at Sir David Frost's Summer Party on 2 July 2009 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Amanda is believed to be Amanda Lewis, Sarah's then-assistant. By the next morning, the tone had escalated. Lesley informed Jeffrey, "Amanda said the princesses would like to accompany the Duchess and she is wondering if you might be willing to pay for them as well…"

Without hesitation, Jeffrey replied, "ok".

What followed was a flurry of emails showing staff scrambling to accommodate Sarah's requests — including a three-day stay in New York and flights with "crazy high price tags". Despite Jeffrey's directive that she fly business and the princesses economy or premium economy, Sarah demanded more.

Sarah Ferguson attends the "Young Victoria" Movie Premiere at Cinema UGC Normandie on 7 July 2009 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Staff soon discovered Sarah had provided her British Airways frequent flyer number and was pushing for first class tickets for herself, and club (business) class for Beatrice and Eugenie, 21 and 19 at the time. The cost? Over $30,000.

Lesley asked Jeffrey if she could check "if they are flexible", noting that the seat changes would drastically exceed the $14,080.10 (approx. £10,550) already approved.

Sarah Ferguson (C) with Princesses Eugenie (L) and Beatrice of York attend the "The Young Victoria" Premiere held at Roy Thomson Hall during the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival on 19 September in Canada. | Source: Getty Images

But just hours before their return flight from New York to London, Sarah's team made a final push. On 30 July 2009, Amanda emailed Lesley again, "The Duchess has asked that she be in First and the girls in Club on the flight back from NYC to LHR... apparently Jeffrey said that this would be ok."

This time, Jeffrey shut it down cold, writing, "i said nothing,, do not respond." Lesley confirmed she would not respond, noting Sarah's office was calling directly.

Sarah Ferguson in the Royal Box on Centre Court during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on 30 June 2025 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

According to the files, Sarah, Beatrice, and Eugenie stayed at the Miami home of businessman Philip Levine prior to their visit to Jeffrey's Palm Beach mansion on 27 July 2009 — just five days after his release under house arrest.

The visit is said to have been a celebration of Jeffrey's release, and previously uncovered emails suggest Sarah may also have taken the opportunity to seek financial support, as she was then on the brink of bankruptcy.

Princess Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson, and Princess Eugenie attend the World Premiere of "The Young Victoria" at Odeon Leicester Square on 3 March 2009 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Critics have slammed Sarah for involving her daughters — both young royals at the time — in a visit to a convicted sex offender. Columnist Emma Mackenzie gave a chilling assessment:

"The haunting truth is that she didn't believe him to be any threat to her girls, despite the nature of his conviction, because he wasn't: Princesses were never his prey."

Indeed, Jeffrey's victims were often vulnerable, working-class, and isolated — a stark contrast to Beatrice and Eugenie, who moved in palaces, not poverty.

Princess Eugenie of York, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Princess Beatrice of York attend the Children in Crisis annual fundraising dinner at Kensington Roof Gardens on 9 March 2011 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Sarah and her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have already been stripped of their royal titles due to their connection with Jeffrey.

Though public sentiment has remained largely sympathetic toward Beatrice and Eugenie, the tide may be turning. Their names appear repeatedly in the Epstein files, and their presence on the July 2009 trip has cast new light on their involvement — willing or not — in this spiralling scandal.

Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York during the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on 19 September 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Royal author Andrew Lownie is calling for action. "They should renounce their titles. That's the first thing they should do because that's why there is interest," the writer told The Express.

But PR expert Kayley Cornelius warned that such a move could backfire, noting, "At a time when public feeling is largely sympathetic, stepping away from those titles may feel unnecessary and premature."

Sarah Ferguson (C) and her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie during a visit to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at University College Hospital 23 April 2025 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

In a further blow, it has now emerged that Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, have been quietly barred from attending Royal Ascot this June.

Sources confirm the pair have also been excluded from the Royal Procession, citing concerns over the House of York's entanglement in the Epstein saga.

Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York attend Royal Ascot Day 1 at Ascot Racecourse on 19 June 2018 in Ascot, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images

Insiders claim the decision "completely blindsided" the Princesses, who are already reeling from Andrew's arrest last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

As the monarchy distances itself further, it appears that the once-beloved York sisters are being systematically sidelined from royal life — not for crimes committed, but for the company kept.

Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York attend Royal Ascot Day 3 at Ascot Racecourse on 21 June 2018 in Ascot, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images

The Epstein files continue to peel back layer after layer of shocking truths. For Sarah, the decision to solicit travel funds from a sex offender has now become yet another indelible stain on an already troubled legacy.

As for Beatrice and Eugenie — once shielded by palace gates and public goodwill — they now face a cruel twist of fate: the sins of their parents may yet cost them everything.