YORK, United Kingdom: Officials in York have closed an “embarrassing” chapter, stripping Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of the UK´s former prince Andrew, of the freedom of the city over her ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
It´s another blow for Fergie, as she was known, after newly released documents revealed her close links to convicted billionaire sex offender Epstein, who she pumped for money and called “the brother I have always wished for”.
Retired teacher Helen Gibbons said she was so keen to attend the city council´s vote on removing the former Duchess of York´s symbolic title on Thursday, that she cancelled a meeting of her book group.
The 78-year-old in a green sweater and gold-rimmed glasses was one of only a few residents to attend the landmark vote in the mediaeval Guildhall, in the heart of the former stronghold for the royal Plantagenet dynasty.
York, in northeast England, known for its graceful cathedral, has thousands of “Freemen”, a title dating back to the 13th century. They once enjoyed privileges such as the right to graze cattle, but now the role is largely ceremonial. The decision to strip Ferguson, 66, of her “Freedom of the City of York” status was agreed unanimously in just a few minutes.
Claire Douglas, the leader of the council, said the city expected those who received the title to uphold “the values and behaviours consistent with such an honour”.
