September 22, 2025 – Wiltshire, England
Julia’s House, a prominent children’s hospice charity serving Dorset and Wiltshire, has removed the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, as a patron after new details surfaced about her past correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The charity announced the decision on Sunday following reports in The Sun and The Mail on Sunday that revealed a 2011 email exchange between the Duchess and Epstein. In the message, she referred to him as “a steadfast, generous and supreme friend,” appearing to privately praise him after having publicly distanced herself from him in interviews.
Julia’s House released a statement saying it would be “inappropriate” for the Duchess to continue in her role, which she had held since 2018.
“We have advised the Duchess of York of this decision and thank her for her past support,” the charity said.
Email Undermines Prior Statement
The email, reportedly sent after Epstein’s conviction for sexual assault, directly contradicts the Duchess’s earlier public statements calling her association with him “a giant error of judgment.” Her spokesperson told reporters the email was an attempt to prevent a defamation lawsuit from Epstein.
So far, Ferguson has made no public comment on the matter.
Broader Fallout Possible
While Julia’s House is the first charity to take action, others are reviewing their affiliations. The Teenage Cancer Trust confirmed it is assessing the situation. The Duchess also holds patron roles with the Youth Impact Council and a children’s literacy charity.
Observers say more organizations may follow suit in the coming days.
A Charity Built on Trust
Julia’s House was founded in 2003, named in honor of Julia Perks, a paediatric nurse who died of cancer before realizing her dream of supporting families with life-limited children. Her friend Mike Wise launched the charity in her name, beginning with a small team offering in-home care. Today, it provides hospice services across Dorset and Wiltshire and is considered one of the UK’s leading children’s palliative care providers.
The charity has long attracted high-profile supporters, including football manager Eddie Howe, actor Nigel Havers, and designer Jasper Conran.
Now, it faces the challenge of maintaining public trust while distancing itself from controversy.
“This decision wasn’t taken lightly,” a source close to the charity said. “Families rely on us for strength, compassion, and transparency. Our patrons must reflect those values.”
Looking Ahead
Though the Duchess of York has been involved in extensive charitable work since her divorce from Prince Andrew, this latest revelation raises new questions about her past affiliations and current roles.
As public scrutiny intensifies, charities associated with the Duchess may be forced to weigh the reputational risks of continued involvement.
Ten years of experience reporting. From car chases and courtroom verdicts to House fires, Holsford thrives during breaking news and finds it a privilege to help drive the conversation in Rockland County and the Greater New York Area. Born in San Bernardino, Thomas is a New York boy at heart. He received his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, specializing in political science and sociology, from the University of Illinois
