A prestigious honor has been revoked from Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, due to her continued association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The City of York Council unanimously voted to strip her of the honorary Freedom of the City, a title reserved for those who embody the city’s highest values.
The Freedom of York is a deeply rooted tradition, dating back to the 13th century. Originally granting privileges like cattle grazing rights, it now serves as a ceremonial recognition for individuals who have brought distinction to York or served its community – a distinction once shared with figures like Winston Churchill and Dame Judi Dench.
Ferguson received the Freedom of the City in 1987, shortly after her marriage to Prince Andrew. However, the council’s leader, Claire Douglas, stated that maintaining such an honor requires upholding specific standards of behavior, standards she believes Ferguson failed to meet by continuing contact with Epstein after his crimes became public knowledge.
This decision follows a similar move in 2022, when Prince Andrew was also stripped of the Freedom of the City, and subsequently lost all his royal titles in 2025, due to his own connections to Epstein. Ferguson herself lost her Duchess of York title amidst the unfolding scandal.
The latest developments stem from a recent release of Epstein’s files, revealing a series of communications between Ferguson and Epstein even after his 2008 conviction for sex trafficking. These exchanges detail requests ranging from arranging lunch dates with her daughters to seeking financial and employment assistance.
Specifically, the released documents show Ferguson asking Epstein for advice regarding bankruptcy and even pleading for help in securing a position for a house assistant. These revelations have prompted a request from U.S. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam for Ferguson to testify before American lawmakers regarding her ties to Epstein.
While there is currently no legal means to compel her testimony, the request underscores the seriousness of the ongoing investigation and the scrutiny surrounding Ferguson’s relationship with the disgraced financier. Since the release of the files, Ferguson has largely remained out of the public eye.
Her last public appearance was in December, at the christening of her granddaughter, Athena. The unfolding situation continues to cast a shadow over the former royal, raising questions about the extent of her involvement and the consequences she may face.
