Andrew and Sarah Ferguson may face new low with ‘very awkward’ situation
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson could face a new low as they may get turned away by an exclusive venue according to reports, while their daughters Beatrice and Eugenie remain members
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson could find themselves in an uncomfortable family predicament where their daughters gain access to an exclusive venue whilst they themselves face rejection at the door.
Reports suggest the former Duke and Duchess of York may no longer be welcome at the prestigious London members’ club Annabel’s.
The Mayfair establishment, which has hosted luminaries including Frank Sinatra, Princess Diana, Mick Jagger, and countless other celebrities since Mark Birley established it in 1963, boasts a legendary reputation for exclusivity.
Despite the hefty annual membership cost of approximately £3,750, sources indicate that Andrew and Fergie would likely be refused entry should they attempt to visit the club personally.
A source allegedly informed the Daily Mail that the duo would face rejection, explaining that their “type of notoriety is not what the club needs,” reports the Express.
This potential prohibition could spark friction involving Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who both hold memberships and remain unaffected by any restrictions.
The insider suggested such limitations could result in a “very awkward” scenario at the entrance.
Any prohibition would encompass not only Annabel’s but also its four affiliated establishments, including Mark’s, all under Richard Caring’s Birley Group ownership.
The source elaborated: “Both Annabel’s and Mark’s have very public-facing entrances, so it would not be a great look for the Birley Group to have Andrew or Sarah pictured outside.”
The prohibition, should it go ahead, would represent yet another tumble from favour for Andrew, who has already been stripped of his royal titles and long-standing residence after details emerged about his links to the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew has steadfastly refuted all claims relating to Epstein since the controversy surfaced several years back, including throughout his car-crash television appearance with broadcaster Emily Maitlis in late 2019.
Beyond potentially being blacklisted from Annabel’s, Andrew might also be stripped of his Freedom of the City of London honour, a distinction he acquired through inheritance as his late father, Prince Philip, previously held the same accolade.
A representative for the City of London Corporation informed the Sun that Andrew’s honour came through patrimony and that the organisation would examine any objections brought forward concerning it.
The spokesperson clarified: “Andrew received the honour by virtue of patrimony, which is inherited as the child of a Freeman. Applications via patrimony are not considered by our elected members. The City Corporation is listening and will continue to listen to concerns raised.
“And it will carefully consider the rules that govern how a Freedom is given – including the circumstances in which, and the procedure by which, it can be removed.”
Reach Plc contacted Annabel’s seeking a response.
