A US lawmaker has made a direct plea to Sarah Ferguson to testify about her 'close personal and business ties' to Jeffrey Epstein, according to a letter seen exclusively by the BBC.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam urged her to provide information to the US congressional committee investigating the late sex offender. He also asked for any knowledge she had of her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's involvement in Epstein's operations.
The letter represents the most direct pressure on the former duchess to testify since the start of the Epstein scandal.
Ferguson's representatives have been approached for comment. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
In the letter, which was sent to Ferguson on Thursday and set a two-week deadline for her to respond, Democratic Congressman Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, said the recent drop of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice had revealed her 'close personal and business ties' with the American financier.
Subramanyam stated, 'As the committee seeks justice for the survivors of Mr Epstein's criminal enterprise, and transparency for the American public, I respectfully request your co-operation with the committee's investigation.' The letter referred to an email from a 'Sarah' describing Epstein as 'a legend' following his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
'While you officially divorced former Prince Andrew in 1996, the committee is interested in learning more about any knowledge of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's involvement in Mr Epstein's operations,' the letter said, highlighting Ferguson's social and business ties to Epstein.
Last weekend, Congressman Subramanyam told the BBC he believed Ferguson had 'information related to the investigation' and urged her cooperation.
The committee is controlled by Republicans, who have not indicated support for the push to compel Ferguson to testify. However, the family of prominent Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre also expressed the belief that Ferguson should provide testimony in the US regarding her knowledge.
Reports also indicate that Ferguson’s links to Epstein have resulted in her losing multiple charitable affiliations and titles, marking a significant fallout from her past associations.
