York Council to Vote on Removing Sarah Ferguson’s Honorary Freedom of City
The City of York Council is set to consider stripping Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, of her honorary Freedom of the City, a distinction bestowed upon her in 1987 as a wedding gift following her marriage to Prince Andrew. A meeting is scheduled for the evening of with the sole purpose of debating the removal of the honor.
This move follows a similar action taken in 2022, when Prince Andrew’s Freedom of the City was revoked – a first for the council. According to documentation from the upcoming meeting, the council intends to resolve that, “pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the City of York Council withdraws the Honorary Freeman of the City status from Sarah Ferguson, which was conferred upon her in 1987.” Residents, interested parties, and council members have been invited to attend the discussion at The Guildhall in York.
The potential revocation comes amid scrutiny surrounding the former Duchess’s financial dealings, triggered by the recent release of documents related to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Reports indicate that six companies linked to Ferguson have begun the process of winding down following the publication of these files. Applications to strike off each company were reportedly filed after new information surfaced regarding her contact with Epstein.
The released correspondence reportedly includes requests from Epstein for Ferguson to issue a statement denying allegations against him, specifically claiming he was “not a pedo,” and asserting she had been “duped” into believing false claims. Ferguson also allegedly sought financial advice from Epstein while he was incarcerated and inquired about potential employment opportunities after his release.
The honorary Freedom of the City is a prestigious award granted by the City of York Council to recognize significant contributions and service. Previous recipients include historical figures such as the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill, as well as cultural icons like film composer John Barry and actress Dame Judi Dench. The honor is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated notable service to the city, distinguished achievements, or royal lineage.
The Local Government Act 1972, specifically Section 249, provides the legal basis for the council’s action. While the full text of the Act wasn’t provided, its mention underscores the formal and legal process the council is undertaking. The Act broadly concerns local government functions and powers within England and Wales.
Adding another layer to the situation, Sarah’s Trust, a charity founded by Ferguson, has announced its closure “for the foreseeable future.” This development coincides with the broader scrutiny of her associations and financial activities.
The council’s decision to revisit Ferguson’s honorary status reflects a growing trend of institutions re-evaluating relationships in light of past associations and ethical concerns. The case echoes the earlier removal of Prince Andrew’s freedom, signaling a willingness by the City of York Council to take decisive action when faced with potentially damaging revelations. The upcoming meeting on will be closely watched as the council determines whether to uphold or revoke the honor bestowed upon Sarah Ferguson nearly four decades ago.