Sarah – the Duchess of York – has been dropped by a chidren’s charity after she sent a message to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

She described the paedophile as “a supreme friend”

Children’s hospice, Julia’s House, said the correspondence made it “inappropriate for her to continue as a patron”.

The charity added:

“Following the information shared this weekend on the Duchess of York’s correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, Julia’s House has taken the decision that it would be inappropriate for her to continue as a patron of the charity.

“We have advised the Duchess of York of this decision and thank her for her past support.”

The Sun newspaper reported the Duchess – “humbly apologised” to Epstein after she linked him to paedophilia.

Epstein threated to sue for defamation.

The Duchess later described him as “steadfast and generous”.

Her spokesman said it was sent “in the context of advice the Duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats”.

It’s said the ex-royal had accepted a £15,000 loan from the disgraced multi-millionaire.

In a press interview she said:

“I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf.

“I am just so contrite I cannot say.

“Whenever I can, I will repay the money and have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again.”

However, a little over a month later, the Duchess sent a message.

She said: “I know you feel hellaciously let down by me.

“And I must humbly apologise to you and your heart for that.

“You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family.”

It continued: “I was advised in no uncertain terms, to have nothing to do with you and to not speak or email you.

“And if I did — I would cause more problems to you, the Duke and myself.

“I was broken and lost.

“So please understand. I didn’t want to hurt Andrew one more time.

“I was in over-riding fear.

“I am sorry.”