Sarah Ferguson Explored Cloning Queen's Corgis for Reality TV Show
Cash-strapped Sarah Ferguson was involved in discussions to clone the late Queen Elizabeth II's beloved corgis for an extraordinary reality television programme, according to revelations. Described by Hollywood producers as a bold and controversial business venture, the tasteless concept would have seen the former Duchess of York attempting to profit by selling genetically replicated corgis to dog enthusiasts globally.
Controversial Pet Cloning Venture
Pet cloning remains highly contentious, with experts warning it can lead to severe abnormalities in animals. However, the practice can be lucrative, with cloned dogs typically fetching up to £75,000 in the United States, where the procedure is legal. In the United Kingdom, it is illegal for companies to produce replica animals outside research settings, but sending a skin sample abroad for cloning is permitted.
In May 2023, Ferguson was seeking ways to leverage her diminishing royal status when the idea of monetising the corgis, Muick and Sandy, was proposed. She had been entrusted with their care following the Queen's death eight months earlier. After contacting several American television companies, she met executives from Halcyon Studios in Los Angeles for a series of lunches and dinners.
Financial Motivations and Project Details
A source close to the negotiations stated, She was pushing to get back into TV and make some money. She came up with the idea of featuring the Queen's corgis in a show. And that included the idea of breeding them. Bizarre as it sounds, the idea of cloning them was discussed. The source added that Ferguson appeared enthusiastic about any opportunity that provided payment, especially if it involved travel and meeting wealthy aristocrats interested in owning a corgi.
The project was eventually abandoned. On Saturday night, royal author Richard Fitzwilliams criticised the concept, saying that even considering cloning the late Queen's beloved dogs for financial gain is unbelievably grotesque and utterly bizarre.
Proposed Show Synopsis and Cloning Process
After discussions with Ferguson, producers developed a synopsis outlining how the reality cloning show would unfold. It described Ferguson embarking on a bold business venture to clone the royal pups while navigating genetics and royal protocol, alongside grappling with personal demons and strained family relationships.
The synopsis noted that Ferguson's income had been dramatically impacted by King Charles's decision to reduce Prince Andrew's allowance after the Queen's death. It explained that at age 63, Ferguson faced a significant economic change, needing to generate revenue. The cloning process involves extracting DNA from adult cells, inserting it into an egg with removed genetic material, and growing the embryo in a surrogate, often requiring multiple attempts that can produce abnormal puppies.
The proposed show would follow Ferguson establishing a company called The Queen's Corgis to clone and sell the animals, exploring genetics, cloning controversies, and royal family dynamics. An alternative documentary series synopsis suggested Ferguson immersing herself in high-society dog breeding and championing the corgis.
Background on the Corgis and Ferguson's Situation
The cloning discussions occurred months after Muick and Sandy participated in Queen Elizabeth's funeral procession. Andrew had given the corgis to his mother in 2021 to comfort her while Prince Philip was hospitalised. In April 2023, Ferguson confessed to consulting a dog whisperer over the grieving corgis. On the first anniversary of the Queen's death, she posted a social media photo with the dogs, captioning it that they were thriving under her care.
Last month, the dogs were seen being walked on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where Andrew now resides after his eviction from Royal Lodge due to the Epstein scandal. Ferguson's current whereabouts are unknown, as she went into hiding after her friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was exposed and faces pressure to testify in the US.
Epstein Connection and Financial Desperation
Previously revealed emails show Ferguson repeatedly begged Epstein to hire her as a house assistant because she desperately needed money. In a May 2010 email, she wrote, But why I don't understand, don't you just get me to be your House Assistant. I am the most capable and desperately need the money. Please Jeffrey think about it. A source indicated these pleas annoyed Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who managed his properties.
On Saturday night, a spokesman for Ferguson stated, Sarah Ferguson never progressed any discussions with Halcyon Studios, which were engineered by others, and withdrew from them of her own accord. She listens to TV proposals all the time but that doesn't mean she is going to go through with them. If she had briefly seemed enthusiastic, that is just who Sarah is. Sarah never had any intention of monetising the corgis. The spokesman added that she had considered a dog-focused TV show for years, unrelated to the corgis or Halcyon Studios.
