Sarah Ferguson’s PR guru and close pal has defended her after the latest string of bombshells regarding Jeffrey Epstein.

Sarah Ferguson called Jeffrey Epstein her ‘supreme friend’ (Image: Getty)

Sarah Ferguson’s PR guru and close pal, James Henderson, has rushed to her defence following the latest bombshells regarding her links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, whom she called her “supreme friend”. The Duchess of York sparked backlash after it was revealed last week that she kept in contact with the convicted financier after publicly disowning him, calling him her “supreme friend” in emails that have recently emerged.

Several charities have since severed ties with her after she was seen “humbly” apologising to the financier for comments she made to the media in 2011. Mr Henderson, who spoke on her behalf in 2011 regarding the Epstein scandal, and is still close to her, praised the Duchess and said that she “has had battle after battle after battle”.

The PR specialist, who was embroiled in a separate scandal linked to the PR company he worked for in 2017, has now set up a new life with a new firm in Dubai.

James Henderson at an event in London in 2020 (Image: Getty)

He hailed Fergie, as she is affectionately known, for her loyalty.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: “We have both been loyal to each other. We have both had empathy and understanding. The mental impact of losing everything and losing a reputation is something that we could bond over. Few people lose their reputations to that extent.

“She has had battle after battle after battle. Her loyalty to me has been exceptional. And she has done so much for so many people, most of which is not written about or appreciated. And she has not sought for it to be written about or appreciated, contrary to what people think.”

He added: “She [the Duchess] is always the most generous person in the room. She is also an amazing mother. Her commitment to [her children] and ensuring they have a constant family unit is exemplary.”

Last week, following the latest Epstein bombshells, the Duchess’s spokesperson said she was “taken in by his lies” and sent the email only to avoid the threat of defamation.

The spokesman said: “The Duchess spoke of her regret about her association with Epstein many years ago, and as they have always been, her first thoughts are with his victims. Like many people, she was taken in by his lies.

“As soon as she was aware of the extent of the allegations against him, she not only cut off contact but condemned him publicly, to the extent that he then threatened to sue her for defamation for associating him with paedophilia. She does not resile from anything she said then.

“This email was sent in the context of advice the Duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats.”