Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson once caught in $750K scandal: 'A serious lapse in judgment'

Sarah Ferguson has been in the public eye for a while ever since she was married to Prince Andrew. However, it would seem that she too has been involved in a scandal, that also concerns her ex-husband.

Sarah Ferguson accepting a bribe

According to reports, back in 2010, long after Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson divorced, Fergie was caught accepting cash in exchange for access to Prince Andrew.

The conversation was recorded on tape, between the Duchess of York and an undercover journalist, Mazher Mahmood, who specialises in exposing people. As reported by Us Weekly, on the tapes, you can hear Fergie say:

Five hundred thousand pounds [approx $750,000] when you can, to me… [to] open doors,

The interaction took place in a London apartment, according to News of the World, which had printed a written copy of the conversation. The journalist had posed as an international tycoon wanting to speak to Prince Andrew, Britain's special representative for international trade and investment at the time.

As the tapes continue, you can hear Fergie say that the money will ‘open up all channels’ and more. She then goes on to say that if the journalist ‘looks after’ Fergie, Prince Andrew will look after him:

That opens up everything you would ever wish for. I can open any door you want, and I will for you.

Look after me and he'll look after you … you'll get it back tenfold.

Read more:Prince Andrew's ex Sarah Ferguson reveals what she really thinks of Harry and Meghan in new interview

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Sarah Ferguson did it for the money

As the tapes continue, Fergie asked for $40,000 in cash and another $720,000 to be transferred to her bank account. Fergie then accepts the cash which she had described as a fee for ‘doing the big deal with Andrew.’

Sarah Ferguson first claimed that her ex-husband was aware of the deal she was doing as he was the one who advised her on the amount to ask for, as reported by The Guardian. However, the media and Prince Andrew claim he wasn’t. In a statement, the Duchess of York expressed her regret towards her actions and explained that she had a ‘serious lapse of judgment’ after struggling with money.

I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused. 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 then admits in her statement that Prince Andrew was not involved in the bribery scandal:

I can confirm that The Duke of York was not aware or involved in any of the discussions that occurred. I am sincerely sorry for my actions.

Sources used:

Us Weekly: ‘Sarah Ferguson Caught in $750K Bribery Scandal’

The Guardian: ‘Sarah Ferguson offered access to Prince Andrew for cash, says tabloid’