Sarah Ferguson’s ‘freedom of York’ title removed amid Epstein scandal | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBryony GoochThursday 26 March 2026 18:59 GMTSarah Ferguson’s charity says it will close days after Epstein files releasedYork councillors have unanimously voted to remove Sarah Ferguson's Freedom of the City title, which is the highest commendation awarded by the City of York Council.The decision was made due to her friendship with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, with the most recent batch of Epstein files suggesting a close friendship with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction.Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were awarded the honorary Freedom on a visit to York, a year after their marriage; Andrew’s honour was revoked four years ago over his association with Epstein.Emails released in the latest tranche of Epstein files saw Ferguson refer to him as the “brother I have always wished for” and a “legend”.The controversy has led to Ferguson losing her duchess title, moving out of Royal Lodge, and several charities, including her own Sarah's Trust, cutting ties or closing down.In fullSarah Ferguson stripped of freedom of the city of York over Epstein tiesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in