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Charity closure announced
Sarah's Trust, the humanitarian foundation led by Sarah Ferguson, will cease operations indefinitely following months of deliberation, a spokesperson confirmed on Monday. The decision comes days after newly unsealed U.S. court documents revealed further details of Ferguson's communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Background on Sarah's Trust
Established in 2020, Sarah's Trust focused on supporting grassroots initiatives addressing poverty, hunger, and environmental crises. The charity's website described its mission as tackling systemic issues perpetuating humanitarian emergencies.
Recent revelations and fallout
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice released over three million documents related to Epstein, including emails showing Ferguson maintained contact with him during his 2009 imprisonment for soliciting a minor. The disclosures prompted renewed scrutiny of her associations with Epstein, though no wrongdoing has been alleged.
In one email, Ferguson referred to Epstein as the "brother I have always wished for." Another message appeared to congratulate him on the birth of a child. Additional correspondence centered on Ferguson's business venture, Mothers Army, where she sought Epstein's advice on commercializing the project.
A June 14, 2009, email from Ferguson read: "I need to ask you how I start The Mothers Army company so it can be commercial. How do I do that? Can you help me?" Twelve days later, she wrote: "I am alive... yes I did go to the first lady and she loved the Mothers Army. I am going to call you later. Love you."
Previous charity withdrawals
The latest disclosures follow a wave of organizations severing ties with Ferguson last year. Julia's House, a children's hospice, was the first to remove her as patron, citing the "inappropriate" nature of her continued association. Other groups, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, and the British Heart Foundation, also ended their partnerships with Ferguson.
Statements and responses
A spokesperson for Sarah's Trust stated the closure had been "under discussion and in train for some months" but did not elaborate on specific reasons. The BBC has reached out to Ferguson for comment on the newly released documents.
Separately, the latest files included images of Ferguson's ex-husband, Prince Andrew, in a controversial pose. His office has not responded to requests for comment, though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Epstein's legal timeline
Epstein was released from prison on July 22, 2009, after serving 13 months of an 18-month sentence. The emails between Ferguson and Epstein date back to the period surrounding his incarceration and subsequent release.
