Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Sarah Ferguson

Public opinion and media debates around Sarah Ferguson—discover key moments of controversy.

Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, is a British author and the former wife of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. As the Duchess of York, she was a prominent member of the British royal family until her divorce from Andrew. She has since pursued a career as an author, writing both children's books and adult fiction and non-fiction. Ferguson remains a public figure, frequently appearing in the media and participating in charitable endeavors.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

August 1992: Daily Mirror Photographs

In August 1992, the Daily Mirror published surreptitiously taken photographs of John Bryan kissing Sarah Ferguson's toes, leading to public ridicule.

December 1994: Fundraising in the US and Launch of Chances for Children

In December 1994, Sarah Ferguson traveled to the US to participate in a fundraising event for Peace Links and to launch her own charity, Chances for Children, in the US. This decision was criticised by the British press.

1995: Princess Margaret's Criticism

In 1995, Princess Margaret reportedly criticized Sarah Ferguson for bringing shame on the royal family.

2006: News International phone hacking scandal

In 2006, Sarah Ferguson was one of the victims of the News International phone hacking scandal, receiving an undisclosed sum in an out-of-court settlement.

2008: Covert Filming in Turkey

In 2008, Sarah Ferguson traveled to Turkey and covertly filmed a Turkish state orphanage, leading to allegations by Turkish authorities that she made a false declaration upon entry, trespassed, and invaded the privacy of children.

April 2009: Asked for tea with Epstein during layover

In April 2009, Sarah Ferguson asked Jeffrey Epstein, who was under house arrest at the time, if she could have a "quick cup of tea" during her layover in Palm Beach to discuss ideas for her company, Mother's Army, addressing him as "My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey."

June 2009: Sought advice on Mothers Army company

In June 2009, Sarah Ferguson emailed Jeffrey Epstein to ask for his advice on how to "start The Mothers Army company so it can be commercial".

July 2009: Epstein bought flights for "the Duchess"

In July 2009, email exchanges showed that Jeffrey Epstein's assistant bought "British Airways" flights for "the Duchess" for $14,080.10, and scheduled a lunch meeting at Epstein's mansion to which Sarah Ferguson intended to bring her daughters.

August 2009: The Duchess on the Estate shown on ITV1

In August 2009, "The Duchess on the Estate", a documentary focusing on Northern Moor, Manchester, was broadcasted on ITV1. Sarah Ferguson's report on the suburb area in Manchester caused criticism for exaggerating crime in the area.

August 2009: Discussed Sarah Ferguson Brand with Epstein

In August 2009, Sarah Ferguson wrote to Jeffrey Epstein again to discuss "my Sarah Ferguson Brand" and thanked him "for being the brother I have always wished for".

September 2009: Travel to Nepal with loan

In September 2009, a business contact wrote that Sarah Ferguson had travelled to Nepal, paying for a first class flight with her loan from Rowland bank.

2009: Report on Sarah Ferguson Foundation Spending

In 2009, it was reported that despite its income, The Sarah Ferguson Foundation had spent only a small portion on grants.

January 2010: Sought More Money from Epstein

In January 2010, an email reportedly showed that Sarah Ferguson was seeking more than the £15,000 she had previously admitted to taking from Jeffrey Epstein, asking for "50 or 100,000 US dollars to help get through the small bills".

January 2010: Offered to marry Epstein

On 30 January 2010, Sarah Ferguson emailed Jeffrey Epstein saying, "I am at your service. Just marry me".

March 2010: Discussed Eugenie's love life

In March 2010, a "Sarah" appeared to refer to Eugenie's love life in response to an email from Jeffrey Epstein, stating she was "Just waiting for Eugenie to come back from a shagging weekend!!".

May 2010: Filmed offering access to Andrew

In May 2010, Sarah Ferguson was filmed by the News of the World offering Mazher Mahmood, an undercover reporter posing as an Indian businessman, access to Prince Andrew for £500,000. She was seen taking away a briefcase containing £40,000 in cash.

July 2010: Epstein asked about Ferguson's daughters

In July 2010, Jeffrey Epstein asked Sarah Ferguson whether there was "any chance of your daughters saying hello" to his god-daughter Celina; Ferguson replied that Beatrice was in London with Andrew.

March 2011: Epstein bankrolled Ferguson for 15 years

After Sarah Ferguson had publicly distanced herself from Jeffrey Epstein in March 2011, an email implied that Epstein had bankrolled her for over 15 years.

March 2011: Admitted getting money from Epstein

On 7 March 2011, Sarah Ferguson admitted to getting money from Jeffrey Epstein and called it a "gigantic error of judgment".

April 2011: Contacted Epstein after public statement

In April 2011, Sarah Ferguson contacted Jeffrey Epstein, despite her public statement in March 2011 that she had severed all ties with him.

September 2011: Congratulated Epstein on the birth of a boy

On 21 September 2011, Sarah Ferguson sent an email congratulating Jeffrey Epstein on the birth of a boy, adding that she was "here with love, friendship and congratualtions".

April 2016: Named in Panama Papers

In April 2016, Sarah Ferguson was named in the Panama Papers.

November 2016: Intended to sue News Group Newspapers

In November 2016, Sarah Ferguson intended to sue News Group Newspapers and its owner Rupert Murdoch for £25 million in damages, citing her "loss in earnings" as well as the subsequent "distress" that the media sting brought to her as the main reasons.

June 2019: Buckingham Palace tour for Pegasus Group

In June 2019, Prince Andrew arranged a private tour of Buckingham Palace for Jay Bloom and Michael Evers from the U.S. cryptocurrency mining company Pegasus Group Holdings, who had agreed to pay Sarah Ferguson up to £1.4 million as a "brand ambassador".

July 2019: Second Palace Visit

In July 2019 Jay Bloom made a second palace visit.

2019: Scrutiny over friendship with Epstein

In 2019, Prince Andrew came under scrutiny for his close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, who in March 2011 had helped Sarah Ferguson avoid bankruptcy.

March 2022: Allegations of Financial Transactions

In March 2022, it was reported that the wife of a jailed Turkish politician alleged that Sarah Ferguson received at least £225,000 from businessman Selman Turk, who was being sued for fraud. Ferguson was reportedly owed this money by Pegasus Group Holdings.

September 2025: Charities end association with Ferguson

In September 2025, following renewed scrutiny prompted by the publication of emails, seven charities of which Sarah Ferguson was patron or ambassador ended their association with her.

October 2025: Report on leaked emails

In October 2025, The Mail on Sunday reported on leaked emails suggesting that Sarah Ferguson had celebrated Jeffrey Epstein's release from jail in 2009 by visiting him in New York with her daughters.

February 2026: Money lent by David Rowland

Email exchanges released in February 2026 suggested that Sarah Ferguson might have been lent money by David Rowland and his private bank.

February 2026: Closure of Sarah's Trust

In February 2026, Sarah's Trust announced that it would close for the "foreseeable future" following the release of court documents related to Epstein detailing Sarah Ferguson's continued contact with him.