Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal: Sarah Ferguson ‘deeply worried’ about backlash from Epstein victims in US

The ex-wife of disgraced former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is reportedly fearful of returning to the US amid increased scrutiny over her ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Despite having spent a lot of time in America, the former duchess is said to be “deeply worried” about being made to testify about her dealings with the disgraced financier if she returns.

The 66-year-old’s relationship with the sex offender came under fire after a trove of files released by the US Department of Justice in late 2025 revealed Epstein was providing financial support for Ms Ferguson and her two daughters.

Just two weeks ago, US lawmaker Suhas Subramanyam, 39, wrote to Ms Ferguson asking her to testify in Congress about Epstein and disclose any information relating to his sex trafficking operations.

Because Ms Ferguson is not a US citizen, she is not obliged to appear before Congress. According to an insider, she has made it clear she has no plans on returning.

“Sarah has made it clear to those around her she will never set foot in America again,” an inside source told the Mirror.

“She is deeply worried about the reaction she would face, whether from Epstein’s victims or scrutiny from Congress.

“She feels it would be unbearable and does not want to be put in a position under oath where she would be asked not only about Epstein but also about Andrew. It has not been a difficult decision despite how deeply entrenched in America she once was.”

The shock revelation comes after an old email chain between her and Epstein surfaced in a recent file dump.

According to emails released by the US Department of Justice, Ms Ferguson’s assistant identified as “Amanda” was in touch with Epstein’s manager Lesley Groff in 2009.

In an email sent to Epstein dated July 23, 2009, Ms Groff said Amanda - believed to be Ms Ferguson’s assistant at the time, Amanda Lewis - had told her that Epstein had “kindly offered to pay for the Duchess to come and visit (him)” in New York.

At the time, Ms Ferguson was purportedly experiencing financial difficulties, and the next day Ms Groff updated Epstein with a further request from the ex-duchess.

“Amanda said the princesses would like to accompany the Duchess and she is wondering if you might be willing to pay for them as well...” she wrote.

Epstein agreed to cover the cost of the flights, and in his reply, asked Ms Groff where Ms Ferguson and the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie would be staying.

Ms Gross told Epstein she would find that out as well as “how old the girls are!”

Another email from the files shows a redacted sender expressing concern that covering the cost of travel for the then-duchess and her daughters carried “crazy high price tags”.