Sarah Ferguson Could Lose Major Royal Privilege Once Held by Prince Andrew

Sarah Ferguson is facing the possibility of losing a significant honour that was previously revoked from her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The former Duchess of York, 66, may have her Freedom of the City of York removed following an upcoming council debate. She received the title after marrying Andrew in 1986, with the honour granted to the couple as a wedding gift from the city the following year.

City of York Council has scheduled a meeting for the evening of March 26, with the sole purpose of discussing whether to strip her of the distinction. In 2022, councillors voted to remove Andrew’s Freedom of the City of York — making him the first person ever to have it revoked.

The motion set to be discussed at next week’s extraordinary meeting states: “The Council resolves 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, councillors and other interested individuals have been invited to attend the discussion, which will take place at The Guildhall in York.

The honorary Freedom of the City is awarded in recognition of outstanding service by local residents, as well as to distinguished individuals and members of the royal family, according to the council.

Notable recipients of the honour have included the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, composer John Barry and actress Dame Judi Dench.

Sarah Ferguson’s fall from grace

The development follows reports that six companies connected to the former duchess have begun winding down operations after the release of the Epstein files, according to Companies House records.

Applications to dissolve each of the businesses were submitted after fresh details emerged about her contact with the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In addition, Sarah’s Trust — a charity she founded — announced that it would be closing “for the foreseeable future.”

The former Duchess was referenced in the latest batch of so-called Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice in January.

In one email, she told the convicted sex offender to “just marry me,” while in others she mentioned her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

In a message from 2011, she described him as a “supreme friend,” despite having previously said that her association with him had been a mistake.

Andrew keeping finаl honour

Andrew is expected to retain his Freedom of the City of London — but only because it cannot be revoked.

The former Duke of York, 66, had his remaining titles removed in October by his brother, King Charles, meaning he is no longer known as Prince.

However, he will keep the Freedom of the City of London, which he received in 2012 “by virtue of patrimony,” as his father, Prince Philip, was also a Freeman.

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