Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, could be stripped of her freedom of the City of York following a council debate scheduled for March 26. The honour was granted to her and her then-husband Prince Andrew in 1987 as a wedding gift from the city.
City of York Council has called an extraordinary meeting with the sole agenda of discussing the revocation. The motion cites Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 to withdraw the honorary freeman status conferred upon Ferguson in 1987.
This development comes after six companies linked to the former duchess began winding down, according to Companies House documents. The filings followed new revelations from the Epstein files about her contact with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Additionally, Sarah's Trust, a charity she founded, announced it would close for the foreseeable future. Prince Andrew had his own freedom of the city honour removed in 2022, making him the first person to have it taken away.
The honorary freedom of the city is typically awarded to recognise notable service by local residents, distinguished people, or royalty. Other recipients include the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, film composer John Barry, and actress Dame Judi Dench.
