Evidence: Sarah Ferguson Intro to David Stern (Feb 2010)

Source: Epstein Archives / Reporting by The Guardian & Middle East Eye
Date: February 2010
Sender: Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York)
Recipient: [Redacted List / Inner Circle]
CC: Jeffrey Epstein, David Stern

Summary

In this email, Sarah Ferguson credits Jeffrey Epstein with introducing her to David Stern, whom she describes as having a "great rolodex for China". Following this introduction, Stern was invited to dine at the Royal Lodge (Windsor).

Strategic Significance

  1. The Intro as Foundation: This 2010 introduction is the chronological starting point for the "China Pivot" documented in later years. Epstein is the literal bridge between the Royal family and the "China specialist" (Stern) who would later manage the Djibouti hand-off.
  2. Sovereign Door-Opening: The fact that Stern was immediately hosted at the Royal Lodge shows how Epstein's "introductions" converted social capital into high-level diplomatic access.
  3. Witan Connection: Stern's company, Asia Gateway (later Witan Group), was marketed within this circle as the primary vehicle for "China deals," a strategy that would materialize in the 2013 Djibouti/CMG acquisition.

Key Relationships