Izzy Lepone 30 September 2025

City of York Council could remove Duchess’ honorary title

City of York Council could remove Duchess’ honorary title image
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.© RoidRanger / Shutterstock.com.

The Duchess of York’s Freedom of the City of York title could reportedly be removed due to her association with Jeffrey Epstein.

The issue is to be discussed by the City of York Council prior to its meeting in November, council leader Cllr Claire Douglas has confirmed.

‘Consideration will be given in advance of that meeting to whether a motion to remove the Honorary Freedom title from the Duchess of York is tabled’, Cllr Douglas said.

The Honorary Freedom title was granted in 1987 to both Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, and Prince Andrew, with the Duke of York’s title being removed three years ago.

Cllr Douglas added: ‘We deplore the links and continued associations with Jeffrey Epstein by those carrying the York title beyond the time the gravity of his crimes became clear’.

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