Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, has lost her “Freedom of the City of York” distinction after a unanimous decision. The city held a special meeting to discuss the removal of the honor, which was bestowed upon her in 1987. At that time, she was recognized for her marriage to Prince Andrew.

In a similar move, the council had previously revoked the same honor from her ex-husband, following revelations and images linking him to Epstein. This decision came after Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor relinquished all his royal titles due to the scandal, denying any misconduct.

During the deliberations, Liberal Democrat councillor Darryl Smalley highlighted Ferguson’s association with Epstein, emphasizing the council’s stance against connections with convicted individuals. The public also voiced their opinions, urging the council to take appropriate action.

Following the debate, Councillor Claire Douglas reiterated the significance of upholding values consistent with the city’s highest honors. The council ultimately supported the motion to strip Ferguson of her honorary status to maintain the city’s integrity.

Ferguson, now using her maiden name, had faced mounting pressure due to her past interactions with Epstein. Charities severed ties with her, and there are calls for her to provide testimony regarding her involvement with Epstein. US lawmakers have also urged her to testify, believing she holds valuable information related to the Epstein investigation.

Despite the challenges, there is no legal obligation for Ferguson to testify in the US. However, lawmakers have expressed willingness to accommodate her terms, provided she testifies under oath. The family of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre also advocates for Ferguson’s cooperation in the ongoing investigations.