Sarah Ferguson's charity, Sarah's Trust, has been formally wound up following scrutiny of her past links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The charity, which aimed to connect philanthropists with causes needing funding, was registered with the Charity Commission in 2018 and was officially removed from the register last month.
The closure follows the release of millions of documents earlier this year that shed new light on Ferguson's relationship with Epstein. One disclosed email exchange reportedly suggested that Ferguson took her daughters to visit Epstein in the United States days after his release from prison for child sex crimes.
In February, shortly after these details emerged, Sarah's Trust reportedly announced it would close for the foreseeable future. Several other charities previously associated with the former duchess have also severed ties. These include the Teenage Cancer Trust, which removed Ferguson as patron after 35 years, the children's hospice Julia's House, Prevent Breast Cancer, The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, and the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals.
Epstein's associations also impacted Ferguson's former husband, Prince Andrew, Duke of York. He was stripped of his royal titles by King Charles III due to "serious lapses of judgment" concerning his friendship with the late financier. Following these events, Sarah Ferguson lost her courtesy royal title and reverted to her maiden name. She also had the freedom of the city of York revoked after councillors voted unanimously to remove the honor due to her connections with Epstein. The couple received the freedom of York as a wedding present in 1987.
Prince Andrew was reportedly forced to vacate his former home, Royal Lodge, and relocate to Marsh Farm on the King's Sandringham estate. Amidst these circumstances, the former duchess has been seeking new accommodation, with speculation suggesting she might move abroad permanently.
A representative for Sarah Ferguson has been contacted for comment.