Sarah Ferguson Allegedly Begged Jeffrey Epstein for 'House Assistant' Job in Emails

Newly released emails show the Duchess of York seeking employment from the convicted sex offender during a period of financial hardship.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 6:07am

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Newly released emails show that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York and former wife of Prince Andrew, allegedly begged disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein for a job as his "House Assistant" in 2010, saying she "desperately" needed money. The emails surfaced after the Department of Justice released over 3 million Epstein records, including his personal communications. Royal experts have criticized Ferguson's actions, calling them a "horrifically bad judgment" and a sign of her "moral depravity" and "greedy ways."

Why it matters

This revelation further damages the reputation of the Duchess of York, who has faced numerous scandals over the years, including a "cash-for-access" controversy in 2010. The email to Epstein, a convicted sex offender, comes at a time when Ferguson is already under intense scrutiny and facing the winding down of several of her own business ventures.

The details

In the 2010 email, Ferguson allegedly wrote to Epstein: "But why I don't understand, don't you just get me to be your House Assistant. I am the most capable and desperately need the money." This email surfaced after the DOJ released over 3 million Epstein records, including his personal communications. Experts have condemned Ferguson's actions, with one royal commentator stating that this "seals the end of any likelihood of any royal acceptance" of Ferguson or her former husband, Prince Andrew.

  • In May 2010, Ferguson was caught in a 'cash-for-access' scandal.
  • The email to Epstein was sent mere days after the 2010 cash-for-access scandal.
  • The latest batch of Epstein documents was released by the DOJ in 2026.

The players

Sarah Ferguson

The Duchess of York and former wife of Prince Andrew, who has faced numerous scandals over the years.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender and disgraced financier whose personal emails were released by the Department of Justice.

Hilary Fordwich

A royal commentator who criticized Ferguson's actions as a "horrifically bad judgment" and a sign of her "moral depravity" and "greedy ways."

Meredith Constant

A royal commentator who noted that Ferguson's email to Epstein came at a time of mounting financial pressure for the Duchess.

Prince William

The royal who is reportedly "beyond disgusted" by the latest revelations about Ferguson and her former husband, Prince Andrew.

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What they’re saying

“This is beyond the pale. If this was an isolated email it would be bad enough, but majorly significant is the compounding effect as it confirms her horrifically bad judgment, her moral depravity and her greedy ways, since she lived rather an extravagant lifestyle.”

— Hilary Fordwich, Royal commentator

“Sarah Ferguson has always struggled with finances, but 2010 was a particularly bad year. In May of 2010, she was caught in a 'cash-for-access' scandal, when News of the World sent a reporter disguised as a businessman and caught Sarah Ferguson promising access to former Prince Andrew, who was the U.K. trade envoy at the time, in exchange for £500,000. This email to Epstein was sent mere days later. I'm not surprised she was getting creative to find employment.”

— Meredith Constant, Royal commentator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the release of any additional emails or documents related to Ferguson's interactions with Epstein.

The takeaway

This latest scandal further tarnishes the reputation of the Duchess of York, who has long struggled with financial issues and poor judgment. It raises serious questions about her associations and the lengths she was willing to go to secure employment, even from a convicted sex offender like Epstein. The fallout from these revelations could spell the end of any remaining royal acceptance for both Sarah Ferguson and her former husband, Prince Andrew.