Celebrity News May 24, 2010
Duchess Sarah Ferguson: The Prince for a Price
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was caught on tape in a tabloid sting accepting money in exchange for business access to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew.
"Five hundred thousand pounds when you can, to me... Then you open up all the channels, whatever you need, whatever you want... If you want to meet him in your business, look after me and he'll look after you." Fergie said, while accepting a $40,000 down payment.
She goes on to falsely state that Andrew was aware of the deal and that he advised her to demand more than $700,000. "He knows that he's had to underwrite me up to now because I've got no money," she told the undercover News of the World reporter.
The Duchess is reportedly "devastated" by the ordeal of being exposed in the sting. "I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused," she told the Times of London. "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. I can confirm that the Duke of York was not aware or involved in any of the discussions that occurred."
The royal family and Prince Andrew have yet to comment.
Ferguson and Andrew married in 1986 and divorced in 1996. They have two daughters and remain close friends.
