(NewsNation) — Sarah Ferguson, ex-wife of former Prince Andrew, was still in contact with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein years after she said she cut ties, royal biographer Andrew Lownie exclusively told NewsNation’s Paula Froelich.
While celebrities, politicians and businessmen distanced themselves from Epstein following his 2008 conviction, Lownie says both Prince Andrew and Ferguson kept going back.
Lowney sat down with NewsNation, dropping the bombshell that Ferguson was seen around one of Epstein’s New York City apartments over 10 years ago.
“People have been distancing themselves from Epstein since 2008, and yet, Andrew just kept going in there, as did Fergie,” Lownie says. “I’ve talked to (a) dog walker who used to see Fergie coming out of one of Epstein’s flats as late as 2014 — years after she claimed to have broken off contact.”
According to Lownie, Ferguson kept in contact with Epstein not only because of his money but convenience while visiting NYC.
“Well, free accommodation. You know, it’s very hard to find accommodation in New York,” he said
Sarah Ferguson ‘borrowed’ money from Jeffrey Epstein
Ferguson, 66, lost her royal title when her disgraced ex-husband gave up his title over ties to Epstein.
Lownie had previously told Froelich, “Their friendship with Epstein began much earlier than previously thought and that it lasted much longer than people say.”
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York attend day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 21, 2019 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) 
Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend de Grisogono Sponsors The 2005 Wall Street Concert Series Benefitting Wall Street Rising, with a Performance by Rod Stewart at Cipriani Wall Street on March 15, 2005 in New York City. (Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
The former Duchess of York has claimed she “borrowed” $15,000 from Epstein; Lownie claims the figure is much higher.
“The total (amount given to Ferguson by Epstein over the years) was $2 million,” Lownie said. “He felt it was a good investment as (the Yorks) would introduce him to other royals.”
Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Andrew’s controversial relationship with Epstein has been a persistent headache for the royal family, years after he stepped down from his royal duties.
Andrew was stripped by Queen Elizabeth II of his responsibilities in 2019 after he sat down for a disastrous BBC interview with “Newsnight” to address his friendship with Epstein and quell public criticism.
During his interview, Andrew was questioned as to why he maintained a relationship with the financier following Epstein’s 2009 release from prison after pleading guilty to charges of soliciting a prostitute and of solicitation of prostitution with a minor under the age of 18.
Andrew had reportedly ceased contact with Epstein in 2006 after news broke that Epstein was being investigated, but reestablished contact with him in 2010, where he was reportedly seen at Epstein’s NYC mansion, to let him know that their relationship was over.
Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.
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NewsNation’s Rob Taub contributed to this report