A cancer charity supported by Prince William and Kate Middleton has seen one of its trustees resign over a scandal involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Nicole Junkermann, a German countess and technology investor who was once Epstein’s confidant, is among those whose links to the disgraced financier are now public knowledge.
Junkermann’s resignation comes after media reports revealed that she exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein throughout his decade-long imprisonment for sexually abusing underage girls. The papers also alleged that Junkermann had affectionately referred to Epstein as “baby” and even called him “Mr. Wonderful.”
The news broke just days before Princess Diana, who held the presidency at the Royal Marsden Hospital from 1987 until her death in a car accident in 1997, passed away.
Kate Middleton, now in remission after battling breast cancer herself, has been an active patron of the hospital since January. She initially came on board when she announced that she was well enough to resume public life and return to charitable work following her cancer journey.
Junkermann’s resignation is understood to be motivated by a desire to free the charity from any potential distractions. In a statement confirming her departure, her spokesperson said, “Nicole Junkermann has offered her resignation as Trustee so that the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity can continue its vital work without being hindered.”
The Charity confirmed this news in a formal statement released on People magazine: “Given the ongoing public interest and her wish to support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Nicole Junkermann has offered her resignation as Trustee which we have accepted. The charity will remain deeply supportive of the Countess and her contributions.”
This development highlights the complex web of connections between royal patronage, philanthropy, and allegations of sexual abuse against Jeffrey Epstein.