Richard Branson Denies Sarah Ferguson Hiding on Island

The February 2026 release of unredacted Department of Justice records has placed Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, under intense scrutiny. Amid the fallout—which has included the closure of her charity and the loss of multiple patronages—speculation surged online that she had fled the UK to "hide out" at Necker Island, the private Caribbean retreat owned by billionaire Sir Richard Branson.

On February 11, 2026, Branson issued a formal statement to address these reports, while newly unsealed emails have further complicated the narrative of the relationship between Ferguson, Branson, and Jeffrey Epstein.

The Denial: "She is Not on Necker Island"

Following widespread media reports that Ferguson was lying low in the British Virgin Islands, a representative for Richard Branson released a direct denial.

• The Statement: "Sir Richard has had no contact with Sarah Ferguson following the release of the [Jeffrey] Epstein files and, contrary to some media reports, can confirm she is not on Necker Island either."

• The Intent: Branson’s camp emphasized that the billionaire has "not seen or spoken to" the former Duchess since the January 30, 2026, document dump, seeking to distance the Virgin Group founder from the current royal scandal.

The 2013 "Harem" Email

The rumors were partly fueled by 2026 file disclosures that highlighted Branson’s own past interactions with Epstein. One specific email from 2013 shows Branson inviting Epstein to visit Necker Island.

• The Quote: In the email, Branson wrote to Epstein: "Any time you're in the area, would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!"

• The Defense: Branson’s representatives have characterized the "harem" comment as a "poorly judged joke" made before the full extent of Epstein's crimes was understood, though critics point out this was five years after Epstein's 2008 conviction.

Ferguson's "Brother" Emails and Financial Woes

While Branson denies she is hiding with him, the 2026 files have exposed the depth of Sarah Ferguson’s reliance on Epstein during her financial crises.

• The "Brother" Claim: In an August 2009 email, Ferguson wrote to Epstein: "Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for."

• The Rent Request: Another email showed Ferguson urgently asking Epstein for £20,000 ($27,000) to cover her rent, asking if he had any "brainwaves" on how she could secure the funds.

• Princess Eugenie's "Shagging Weekend": Perhaps the most viral disclosure involves a 2010 email where Epstein asked about a visit to New York. Ferguson replied that she was waiting for her then-19-year-old daughter, Princess Eugenie, to return from a "shagging weekend" with her now-husband, Jack Brooksbank.

Current Status: Eviction and "Rebuilding"

As of mid-February 2026, reports suggest Sarah Ferguson is not in the Caribbean but is instead in the process of moving into a new property in the Berkshire area.

Following her reported eviction from Royal Lodge (which she shared with her ex-husband, Prince Andrew), friends say she is "heartbroken" and "bursting into tears several times a day." Despite the backlash, she has reportedly told associates she needs to "get back to work" to settle mounting debts after being dropped by the Teenage Cancer Trust and other major charities.

Source - https://www.wonderwall.com/celebrity/royals/richard-branson-addresses-rumors-sarah-ferguson-hiding-out-private-island.gallery

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