Sarah Ferguson has been stripped of the freedom of the city of York by councillors.
The former Duchess of York, ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, had the honour removed following a unanimous vote during a meeting at the Guildhall on Thursday evening.
It follows fresh revelations about Ferguson’s ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein which were highlighted in the latest release of the Epstein files.
Ferguson is mentioned several times in the latest tranche of documents released by the US Department of Justice, though being mentioned in the files does not indicate any wrongdoing.
Newly released emails indicate that the former duchess remained in contact with Epstein following his 2008 conviction. An email sent on 3 August 2009 shows Ferguson thanking Epstein for being "the brother I have always wished for", while in another email she writes “marry me”.
Ferguson, 66, was bestowed the honour in 1987, a year after her marriage to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who lost the title in 2022.
The "freedom of the city" honour recognises remarkable service by local residents, notable figures and royalty. The honour is ceremonial and does not grant any "privileges" in the city, according to York council's website.
Other recipients of the award include Winston Churchill and Dame Judi Dench.
Speaking during the debate, Liberal Democrat councillor Darryl Smalley said: "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.
"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."
He added: "York will have hopefully have etched out our city's connections to both Andrew and Sarah.
"We must wipe the slate clean, draw a line. 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."
Labour councillor Anna Baxter added: "We are not living in 1987, and it is right that the honours associated with our city reflect the values of York today.
"It is reserved for those considered to be people of distinction, but those who have rendered eminent service, and it reflects the values we wish our city to be associated with."
Gwen Swinburn, a member of the public, addressed councillors during the debate. She said: "The decision before you tonight is whether to remove the freedom of the city from Ms Ferguson.
"It should not be a difficult one. It is the absolute minimum you should be doing."
Councillor Claire Douglas, leader of the Labour group on the local authority, added: "As the people of York would expect, holding this status requires upholding the values and behaviours consistent with such an honour.
"Those who continued to associate with Jeffrey Epstein after his crimes became widely known fall well short of these expectations.
"Sarah Ferguson falls into this category as the Epstein files have shown. I therefore call on council to support the motion as presented."
The only motion in the meeting on Thursday stated: "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."
Six companies linked to the former duchess started winding down in the wake of 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".
