The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has apologised for a 'serious lapse in judgment' after a News of the World sting operation caught her offering to provide access to her former husband, Prince Andrew, in exchange for £500,000.
In a taped meeting with an undercover reporter posing as a foreign businessman, the duchess claimed she could open doors to the prince, who serves as a UK trade envoy. She demanded the payment be wired to her HSBC bank account, saying: 'That opens up everything you would ever wish for... you'll get it back tenfold.'
Prince Andrew has 'categorically' denied any knowledge of the meeting. The duchess later stated that he was not involved and that she was 'devastated' by the situation, attributing her actions to financial stress.
The duchess, who divorced Prince Andrew in 1996, has faced financial difficulties for years, with a modest divorce settlement and failed business ventures. She previously cleared debts through her association with Weight Watchers and children's books.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the matter.
