A spokesperson said that Sarah had only sent the emails after Epstein – who took his own life in prison in 2019 – made threats to sue her.
The spokesperson 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.”
King Charles is now said to be facing a dilemma over whether to ban both Andrew and Sarah at future private royal events.
As she is no longer a member of the Royal Family, the King has no power to control what his former sister-in-law says and does – both publicly and privately.
Although she was “persona non grata” when Prince Philip was still alive, the late Queen did allow her to attend events at Sandringham and Balmoral when he wasn’t around.
This was seen as a kind gesture towards her granddaughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
