Sarah Ferguson has been dealt another blow over her reported ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Another title has been revoked from the ex-wife of disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has been stripped of the Freedom of the City of York.

She previously lost her Duchess of York title in October last year when King Charles removed all of Andrew’s titles.

 

The recent decision follows mounting scrutiny over Ferguson’s links to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice earlier this year.

While being named among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing, during the meeting on Thursday councillors argued Ferguson’s ties to Epstein were reason enough to revoke the honour.

“We now know, following the release of thousands of documents, that Sarah Ferguson too had a close friendship with Epstein, which continued well beyond his conviction,” councillor Darryl Smalley said before the vote.

Sarah Ferguson has been stripped of the Freedom of City of York title, which had already been stripped from her former husband Andrew. Sarah Ferguson has been stripped of the Freedom of City of York title, which had already been stripped from her former husband Andrew. Credit: AAP/Reuters

“We don’t expect recipients of York’s highest honour to be saints. We simply do not want them to be best friends of convicted paedophiles.

“We stand with victims. We stand for the rule of the rule of law. We stand for decency.”

Smalley added the city was eager to sever its ties to both the former Duke and Duchess of York.

“We must wipe the slate clean, draw a line,” Smalley said.

“Remember our duty to victims of sexual abuse, and move forward with our highest honour reserved for those that truly deserve the privilege.

“I urge all councillors to vote for the motion.”

Councillors voted unanimously to remove the title, the highest civic honour awarded by the City of York Council to individuals of distinction, royalty or those who have provided eminent service to the city.

Ferguson and her ex-husband were given the honour as a wedding gift from York in 1987 during a visit to the city.

Sarah Ferguson has stood by Andrew’s side, even continuing to live together following their divorce. Sarah Ferguson has stood by Andrew’s side, even continuing to live together following their divorce. Credit: Getty

Andrew’s Freedom of the City of York was removed in 2022, with the meeting at the time hearing he was the first person to have it revoked.

Six companies linked to the former duchess have since begun winding down following the publication of the Epstein files, according to Companies House documents.

Sarah’s Trust, a charity she founded, also announced it would close “for the foreseeable future”.