Duchess of York Apologizes After Cash For Access Sting
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York has apparently been seen asking for $40,000 in cash and 500,000 pounds by wire transfer in exchange for access to Prince Andrew, in a footage available on the News of the World newspaper’s website.
She had made this offer to an undercover reporter.
Meanwhile Buckingham Palace released a statement that Prince Andrew denied having any knowledge of the meeting that took place between the Duchess and News of the World.
The Duchess, Also known as “Fergie” said that she deeply regretted the sting and admitted that her financial situation was under stress. This has been reported by the British media.
"I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused," Ferguson said in a statement.
"It is true that my financial situation is under stress however, that is no excuse for a serious lapse in judgment and I am very sorry that this has happened," she added.
The film which has been taped on Tuesday shows the Duchess having a glass of wine and cigarette while informing that her former husband "never does accept a penny for anything."
This would an embarrassment for the Prince who acts as Britain’s special representative for international trade and investment who had divorced Sarah in 1996 after a decade long marriage.
The film was shot at plush London apartment and the Duchess is saying "Five hundred thousand pounds when you can, to me ... open doors,"
The newspaper, in an earlier meeting had quoted her saying she did not have a “pot to piss in”.
When Sarah first arrived in 1986 on the royal scene she was seen as a confident career minded woman but she created a few ripples when she refused to let royal protocols come in the way of a good life. The couple had two daughters.
Sarah is a remote descendant of King Charles II and was Andrew’s childhood playmate while her father was Polo Manager to Prince Charles.
Princess Diana had recommended her as the escort for Andrew at the Queen’s annual house party.
Sarah Ferguson could never achieve the fame and the adoration of Princess Diana and found solace in US through various television appearances and writing weight loss books and charity work.
"I hate grownups and love children," she told the audience at the ceremony. She made a passing reference to the sting while accepting her award, saying, "I had a heavy day."
