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Duke 'unaware' of ex-wife meeting Duke 'unaware' of ex-wife meeting
(10 minutes later)
The Duke of York has "categorically" denied knowledge of a meeting between his ex-wife and an undercover reporter. Prince Andrew "categorically" denies knowing about his ex-wife's meeting with a reporter in which she allegedly offered access to him for cash.
Sarah Ferguson has apologised for her "serious lack of judgement" after newspaper claims she offered to sell access to UK trade envoy Prince Andrew. Buckingham Palace said the Duke of York had carried out his role as a UK trade envoy with "complete and absolute propriety and integrity".
Buckingham Palace said he had carried out his trade role with "complete and absolute propriety and integrity." Sarah Ferguson has apologised for her "serious lack of judgement".
The News of the World said the duchess had agreed to a £500,000 ($723,000) deal and accepted a $40,000 payment. The News of the World said she had agreed a £500,000 ($723,000) deal with a reporter posing as a businessman.
'No excuse'
In a statement, the Duchess of York said she was "sincerely sorry" for her actions and admitted her financial situation was "under stress".In a statement, the Duchess of York said she was "sincerely sorry" for her actions and admitted her financial situation was "under stress".
"I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused," she said."I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused," she said.
Sarah Ferguson's marriage to Prince Andrew ended in 1996
"It is true that my financial situation is under stress. However, that is no excuse for a serious lapse in judgement and I am very sorry that this has happened.""It is true that my financial situation is under stress. However, that is no excuse for a serious lapse in judgement and I am very sorry that this has happened."
She confirmed the Duke of York "was not aware or involved in any of the discussions that occurred".She confirmed the Duke of York "was not aware or involved in any of the discussions that occurred".
"The duke has made a significant contribution to his business role over the last 10 years and has always acted with complete integrity," she added."The duke has made a significant contribution to his business role over the last 10 years and has always acted with complete integrity," she added.
'Open doors'
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "The Duke of York categorically denies any knowledge of any meeting or conversation between the Duchess of York and the News of the World journalist.
"Since 2001 he has carried out his role of Special Representative with complete and absolute propriety and integrity."
The undercover reporter posed as a wealthy businessman and recorded the duchess apparently agreeing a deal for an introduction to her former husband. She also appears to accept $40,000 in cash.
According to the video, the 50-year-old duchess tells the undercover reporter "£500,000 when you can, to me... open doors".
She also says the cash would "open up all the channels whatever you need, whatever you want, and then that's what and then you meet Andrew and that's fine.
"And that's, that's when you really open up whatever you want."