Sarah Ferguson
Gordon Correll, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The internal world of the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continues to unravel through thousands of unsealed court records, exposing the unexpected depth of his ties to the British elite, including Sarah Ferguson. Epstein's connection with Prince Andrew has been publicly known, but the latest batch of Epstein files uncovered his tight friendship with the latter's ex-wife.

The most recent trove of documents associated with the late sex offender paints a remarkably personal, if not bizarre, portrait of his relationship with the former Duchess of York. The latter even made an odd proposal to Epstein.

Ferguson's 'Just Marry Me' Message

Among the most striking revelations in the newly released documents is the email exchange that highlights a high level of intimacy between Ferguson and Epstein. In one particular message, Princess Eugenie's mum appears to express a deep, albeit seemingly desperate, affection for the financier.

According to the BBC, Ferguson and Epstein had been exchanging emails for years. In 2009, she updated him about her business brands and book deals, and she acknowledged him as amongst her closest pals, even calling the sex offender a 'brother'.

'I have never been more touched by a friends [sic] kindness than your compliment to me in front of my girls', she wrote. 'Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for'.

A year later, Epstein received another email from 'Sarah'. The message was overflowing with love and Ferguson was clearly smitten by Epstein's generosity and support. 'You are a legend. I really don't have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness', she wrote, before adding, 'Xx I am at your service. Just marry me'.

The records do not indicate a romantic relationship in the traditional sense, but they do suggest a bond that transcended standard philanthropic or social networking. This message has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into Epstein's web of influential associates.

Congratulating Epstein on Baby News

The unsealed files also include messages in which Ferguson congratulated Epstein on becoming a father. She appeared genuinely elated after Epstein allegedly welcomed a baby boy. However, there have been no public records about Epstein having a child.

In the same message, Ferguson extended the same love and friendship to Epstein despite the latter seemingly ignoring her. She mentioned, 'You have disappeared' and that she wasn't aware he was expecting a baby.

She added that she was 'hurt' because she felt that Epstein only befriended her to get close to her royal husband. 'It was sooooo crystal clear to me that you were only friends with me to get to Andrew. And that really hurt me deeply', she wrote.

Epstein's Plan to Use Ferguson

Epstein's team planned to use Ferguson to clear his name by releasing a statement saying he was 'not a pedo' after she distanced herself from him in 2011. He was reportedly sure she would do it because they were 'very close'.

'Agree, quite frankly whatever her excuse she needs to say she was mistaken, she apologises, feels terrible. Jeffrey is not a paedophile', said Epstein's crisis management publicist, Mike Sitrick, per the Guardian.

A Friendship Defined By Financial Aid And Regret

The friendship between Ferguson and Epstein was not merely social; it was underpinned by significant financial transactions. In 2011, it was revealed that Epstein had provided £15,000 ($19,500) to help Ferguson clear her substantial debts.

Despite the friendly tone of the emails, Ferguson later attempted to distance herself from the financier. In a 2011 interview, she stated that she deeply regretted her association with him, describing her involvement with Epstein as a 'gigantic' error of judgement.

'I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me', Ferguson said, according to the Guardian. 'I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgement on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say'.

In another interview, Ferguson said she intended to repay Epstein for helping her clear her debt and, after that, would cut her ties with him. It's unclear if she was able to return Epstein's money before he passed away.

The latest disclosures confirm that Epstein's influence extended deep into the Royal Family's inner circle. Whilst Ferguson maintains she was unaware of the full extent of his crimes at the time, the affectionate nature of these emails continues to fuel public debate over her proximity to the convicted trafficker even years after she expressed her regrets for crossing paths with him.