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- Why the author says he stands by the allegation
- New claims in the updated “Entitled” edition
- How the report ties into the wider Epstein scandal
- Official responses and legal statuses
- Other revelations about the Duke and Duchess of York
- Consequences for Mountbatten-Windsor and royal ties
- Hotlines and support resources for victims
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie has publicly defended a contentious claim that links Sarah Ferguson to music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. His renewed assertions, published in an expanded edition of his book, have reignited scrutiny of the Duchess of York’s ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and his circle.
Why the author says he stands by the allegation
Lownie, 64, told London’s The Times he remains confident in his reporting. He said, “I stand by it”, and described his information as coming from former staffers connected to both camps.
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- Source claim: Lownie says ex-employees of both Diddy and Ferguson corroborated details.
- Book update: The material appears in the newly expanded paperback edition of his 2025 work, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York.
- Media serialization: Parts of the revised book were run in national tabloids, amplifying public attention.
New claims in the updated “Entitled” edition
The paperback version contains several new passages that revisit social ties between the Yorks and Epstein’s network. Lownie traces meetings and alleged encounters across a multi-year timeline.
Key timeline and allegations
- Initial meeting: Lownie reports the pair first crossed paths at a 2002 party tied to Ghislaine Maxwell.
- Alleged relationship: He writes the encounters evolved into a sexual liaison around 2004.
- Introductions at a yacht: The book alleges Ferguson introduced both daughters to Diddy during a 2006 yacht weekend.
- High-end stays: Lownie claims the two were seen together at hotels in Africa and Europe, including a suite billed at about £50,000 per night.
- Reported boasting: An excerpt published in the press attributes comments to Diddy about the encounters and makes an alarming claim about his attitudes toward the daughters’ future ages.
How the report ties into the wider Epstein scandal
Lownie’s updates arrive as public interest in the Epstein network continues. The book frames the alleged Ferguson–Diddy link alongside other contacts within Epstein and Maxwell’s orbit.
- Jeffrey Epstein: The financier died in 2019 while facing federal sex-crime charges.
- Ghislaine Maxwell: Convicted in 2022, she is serving a 20-year term for her role in trafficking-related offenses.
- The book suggests social events hosted by that circle provided meeting places for prominent figures.
Official responses and legal statuses
Requests for comment were made to representatives for both main figures, but media outlets report mixed responses.
- Diddy’s legal situation: He is serving a 50-month federal sentence at FCI Fort Dix after a 2025 conviction for two counts related to transportation for prostitution.
- Acquittals: In the same trial, he was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.
- Ferguson: No formal legal action has been announced tied to these new book allegations at this time.
Other revelations about the Duke and Duchess of York
The updated book revisits long-standing gossip and new accusations about both members of the former royal couple.
- Lownie recounts that Ferguson reportedly had longstanding celebrity crushes; he names actors and athletes in passing.
- The author also writes that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly had multiple affairs early in their marriage.
- The narrative paints a picture of a marriage with frequent strains, citing friends who described emotional distance and frustration.
Consequences for Mountbatten-Windsor and royal ties
Allegations in and around the book precipitated institutional actions against the former duke. The fallout has been swift and public.
- Loss of titles: Royal sources say the former prince was stripped of official titles by King Charles III in late 2025.
- Recent arrest: He was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, accused of sharing confidential financial information with Epstein while serving as a trade envoy.
- At the time of reporting, no plea had been entered in the ongoing inquiry.
Hotlines and support resources for victims
Reporting on sex-trafficking and sexual assault often includes guidance for those in need. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the following hotlines.
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
