Members of Sarah Ferguson's extended family have spoken out for the first time since US authorities released documents linking the former Duchess of York and her ex-husband, Andrew, to Jeffrey Epstein.
Martin Barrantes, a cousin by marriage, suggested that Ms Ferguson's decision to vanish from public life stems from her determination to protect Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
"I have spoken to her [and] can tell you that she just wants to protect her children and her grandchildren," Mr Barrantes said.
His younger brother Raphael echoed this sentiment, telling the Daily Mail: "She loves her children more than anything and will do anything for them."
Sarah Ferguson's cousins reveal her attempts to 'protect Beatrice and Eugenie' in rare interview | GETTY
Ms Ferguson was photographed this week outside a high-end wellness retreat in Austria, where she has been staying.
The sighting marked the first time she had been seen in four months, having last stepped out at the christening of her youngest grandchild.
Mr Barrantes revealed he reached out to Ms Ferguson approximately three months ago to offer his support during what he described as a challenging period connected to the Epstein Files.
"Sarah is going through a difficult moment, and I wanted to send her our support, she is a valued member of our family," he said.
Ms Ferguson was photographed this week outside a high-end wellness retreat in Austria, where she has been staying.
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Despite the turmoil surrounding her, Mr Barrantes noted that Ms Ferguson appeared to be coping well with the situation.
He added that while he has not met Ms Ferguson face-to-face for four or five years, she and her sister remain cherished members of the family.
Both Barrantes brothers came to Ms Ferguson's defence.
"What people need to remember is that the real villain in all this is Epstein," Martin Barrantes stated.
He continued: "Sarah was perhaps foolish to trust him and take such confidence from him, and I am sure she regrets that now," he said.
Despite the turmoil surrounding her, Mr Barrantes noted that Ms Ferguson appeared to be coping well with the situation.
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Raphael Barrantes added: "She was led on by him, but he was the criminal in all this, people have to remember that Sarah didn't do anything wrong."
Sarah Ferguson appeared to describe Epstein, a convicted sex offender, as her "supreme friend" and "the brother I have always wished for” in emails released in the Epstein files.
Ms Ferguson said in 2011 regarding her links to Jeffrey Epstein: "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."
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