Newly released emails in the US Department of Justice Epstein files appear to show Jeffrey Epstein suggested Princesses Beatrice and Princess Eugenie could hold shares during discussions about a proposed commercial venture involving Sarah Ferguson’s name.
The correspondence relates to discussions in 2010, when Epstein was under restrictions following his conviction.
There is no indication in the emails that either princess was aware of the exchange, and no shares were ultimately issued.
Beatrice was 21 and Eugenie 19 when their names surfaced in correspondence about a deal being negotiated with one of Epstein's business contacts.
Epstein proposed Beatrice and Eugenie as shareholders in talks involving Sarah Ferguson
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Ms Ferguson's financial woes stemmed from the collapse of Hartmoor, her American lifestyle brand company, which reported to have left her with debts of around £650,000 by late 2009.
On January 16, 2010, she appeared to email Epstein: "Is there any chance I could borrow 50 or 100,000 US dollars to help get through the small bills that are pushing me over.. Had to ask. If you cannot, Giuseppe said he would, but I am embarassed to ask. Him".
The emails appear to refer to ‘Giuseppe’, widely reported to be Giuseppe Cipriani, a New York restaurant owner and an old friend of the former duchess.
Later that evening, Epstein refused, citing restrictions on his activities: "i cannot do anything until July at earliest, dictated by current restrictions".
An email sent on March 8, 2010 appeared to show Epstein suggesting Beatrice and Eugenie should become shareholders
|US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Ms Ferguson asked Epstein to contact Mr Cipriani on her behalf, to which the late financier replied: "i could but it would be impolite, you need to address these issues, you are great".
Rather than providing direct financial support, Epstein connected Ms Ferguson with Keith Frankel, an American supplements businessman.
The pair explored a joint venture that would use Ms Ferguson's name to market health products, including fish oil supplements, with potential sales through QVC.
The most significant exchange occurred in the early hours of March 8, 2010, when Epstein messaged Ms Ferguson after meeting with Mr Frankel.
There is no indication in the emails that either princess was aware of the exchange, and no shares were ultimately issued
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Epstein appeared to write: "keith just leftwe should talk, he was concerned that you had the rights to use your name. he was concerned that someone said you did not want equity, ( the Beatric and euge should own the shares )".
The correspondence appeared to take place between Mr Epstein and Ms Ferguson, and there is no indication that either daughter was aware that these conversations were taking place.
The Department of Justice files contain multiple references to both princesses.
Being mentioned in the Epstein files is not an indication of misconduct.
Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019 | REUTERSMs Ferguson has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
A spokesman for Ms Ferguson told The i Paper that while discussions took place, no shares were ever granted to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
GB News has approached Ms Ferguson for an independent comment, as well as Mr Frankel, Mr Cipriani, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.