Sarah Ferguson appears to have thanked Jeffrey Epstein for “being the brother I have always wished for” in an email exchange released by the US Department of Justice. The exchange, sent on August 3, 2009, is between Epstein and someone referred to just as “Sarah”, and was among more than three million documents published by the DOJ on Friday relating to the disgraced paedophile financier. 

In the email, “Sarah” thanks Epstein and refers to discussions she has been having with retailers regarding her “Sarah Ferguson brand”. The sender’s email address is redacted. She goes on to say she has “never been more touched by a friends kindness”. 

The message reads: “Thank you so much Jeffrey. I had the best discussion with Target on Friday, and they want desperately the whole Mothers Army project. They also want to get behind my entire Sarah Ferguson brand, books etc.

“Tommy Hilfiger wants to build my entire apparel, Fragrance etc etc brand, and sell it on QVC. NBC want my Mothers Army TV Show.

“Ben Silverman wants it. 

"So too does Ryan Seacrest.

"In just one week, after your lunch, it seems the energy has lifted.

“I have never been more touched by a friends kindness than your compliment to me infront of my girls.

“Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for.”

Many high-profile individuals have appeared in documents released by the DOJ on Friday and in previous batches. Being named or pictured in these files doesn't imply any wrongdoing.