“You are a legend. I really don’t have the words to describe my love and gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me.”

In another email, she referred to Epstein as “the brother I have always wished for” and said she was “so proud” of him.

This is not the first time Ferguson, often known as Fergie, has been linked to Epstein. The financier died by suicide in a jail cell in 2019.

Previously, the former Duchess of York was reported to have apologised to Epstein for publicly distancing herself from him.

In an interview with the Evening Standard on March 7, 2011, she addressed her decision to accept £15,000 from Epstein, saying: “I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say.

“Whenever I can, I will repay the money and have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again.”

Despite this public statement, further messages were later sent.

Apologies and Expressions of Regret

In one email, Ferguson reportedly wrote: “I know you feel hellaciously let down by me. And I must humbly apologise to you and your heart for that.”

She continued: “You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family. I was advised in no uncertain terms, to have nothing to do with you and to not speak or email you.

“And if I did – I would cause more problems to you, the Duke and myself. I was broken and lost.

“So please understand. I didn’t want to hurt Andrew one more time. I was in overriding fear. I am sorry.”

Ferguson’s spokesman, James Henderson, insisted the email had been sent “in the context of advice the duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats” after she allegedly received an angry phone call from him while he was in prison.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Henderson said: “People don’t understand how terrible Epstein was. I can remember everything about that call.

“It was a chilling call and I’m surprised anybody was ever friends with him given the way he talked to me.”

He added: “He said he would destroy the York family and he was quite clear on that. He said he would destroy me.”

“He wasn’t shouting. He had a Hannibal Lecter-type voice. It was very cold and calm and really menacing and nasty.”

Sarah Ferguson has not yet publicly responded to the latest claims emerging from the newly released Epstein documents.