Sarah Ferguson is reportedly plotting an unlikely comeback to public life following renewed scrutiny over her friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The former Duchess of York has kept a low profile since the latest batch of files was released, including emails that appear to show she remained in contact with Epstein even after his release from prison for sex offences against children.
But friends close to Ms Ferguson have reportedly insisted she “won’t be hiding away,” saying she plans to take some time out before attempting to “rebuild her life” and “start again.”
Ms Ferguson spent a few days with friends in the French Alps before moving on to the United Arab Emirates, according to the Daily Mail.
She has also reportedly been spending time with her youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, 35, who has been in the region for work.
The former Duchess of York is now scouting for a new PR team to represent her as she plans a return to the UK, according to the newspaper.
More than three million documents were published by the US Department of Justice last month relating to the disgraced financier, which gave further insight into Fergie and her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein. The release included photographs of Andrew crouching over an unidentified woman.
In one email, dated August 2009, Ms Ferguson praises Epstein as the "brother I have always wished for". She also said she had “never been more touched by a friends kindness”.
Further messages showed “Sarah” emailing Epstein to call him “my dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey” as well as a “legend”, adding that she was “so proud” of him.
In another email, from 2011, Ms Ferguson appears to congratulate Epstein on the arrival of a "baby boy".
The exchanges are all dated after Epstein was convicted in 2008 for prostituting minors.
The emails do not indicate any wrongdoing.
Andrew has always denied the allegations made against him linked to Epstein.
Several charities have severed ties with Ms Ferguson since her alleged correspondence with Epstein became public.
