Sarah Ferguson's City of London Honor Under Review After Nearly Four Decades
The Stationers' Company, a historic City of London livery company, has confirmed it is currently researching an honorary membership awarded to Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, almost forty years ago. This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of Ferguson's associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Honorary Membership Granted in 1988
Sarah Ferguson received the honorary membership from The Stationers' Company in 1988, just two years after her marriage to Prince Andrew, Duke of York. The Company's Court, its primary decision-making body, granted the honor specifically for her support and involvement in Company initiatives during the previous year.
The Stationers' Company spokesperson stated: "Sarah Ferguson was given Honorary membership of the Stationers' Company by the Court in 1988 for her support and involvement in Company initiatives in 1987. In answer to your question, the Court is researching the original honour and drawing the facts together on how we may proceed."
Growing Scrutiny and Denials
When questioned directly about whether this research might lead to stripping Ferguson of her membership, the Company denied that this was the implication of their statement. The Local Democracy Reporting Service pressed for clarification on what "proceed" specifically means and why this nearly four-decade-old membership is being examined now, but received no additional response before publication.
This review coincides with separate developments in York, where the city council is preparing to vote on a motion to remove the Freedom of the City awarded to Ferguson in 1987. The timing suggests coordinated reevaluation of honors connected to individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein Connection Intensifies Pressure
The renewed examination follows months of mounting criticism directed at Sarah Ferguson regarding her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Released emails from the Epstein files appear to indicate that Ferguson visited the financier with her daughters following his release from prison in 2009, though she has not publicly addressed these specific allegations.
Prince Andrew has faced parallel challenges, with King Charles removing his brother's royal titles, styles, and honors late last year as additional details about his Epstein connections emerged. In February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over accusations he shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. He was released under investigation after eleven hours in custody and has denied any wrongdoing.
Historical Context of The Stationers' Company
Founded in 1403, The Stationers' Company represents the communications and content industries, including publishing, printing, and digital media. Originally established as a guild controlling the book trade, it historically maintained a monopoly on printing and managed copyright for three centuries. The Company grants honorary memberships to individuals for distinguished service to these industries.
Notable honorary members include Queen Camilla, recognized in 2025 for her dedication to promoting literacy, along with King Charles and author Rudyard Kipling in previous years. This historical context highlights the significance of membership within this prestigious City institution.
Broader Implications for City Honors
The controversy extends beyond The Stationers' Company to other City of London honors. The Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed that the City of London Corporation concluded it could not remove the Freedom of the City from Prince Andrew, who received the honor in 2012 "via patrimony" because his father, Prince Philip, was a Freeman.
This issue was raised at a recent committee meeting by Alderwoman Martha Grekos, who told members: "It feels like there is an issue in removing this Freedom from a man who has for a long time been a friend of a molester of vulnerable young women and who has himself been photographed with them. I just want the Corporation to be very mindful of what message we are sending to women, and how can the Lady Mayor continue to use the slogan 'unsquaring the Square Mile'?"
As The Stationers' Company continues its research into Sarah Ferguson's honorary membership, the outcome may establish important precedents for how historic City institutions address honors awarded to individuals whose public standing has changed dramatically over time.
