Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Alludes to Royals' Scandal at NY Book Fair
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) The Duchess of York alluded to an influence-peddling scandal involving her ex-husband Prince Andrew in an appearance Wednesday to promote her latest children's books, joking to the audience that "I prefer children."
PICTURES: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York
Beset by money woes, Sarah Ferguson was caught on video offering access to her ex-husband, Prince Andrews, for some serious cash.
The published video shows "Fergie" seeking more than $700,000 - with a $40,000 down payment - from an undercover reporter playing a "rich businessman" from Britain's News of the World.
"As you all know, I really don't like grown-ups. I prefer children," Ferguson quipped at BookExpo America at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center before several hundred book dealers. She was one of four children's book authors at the event promoting and signing their new books.
Ferguson who is Queen Elizabeth's former daughter-in-law, made a number of offhand, self-deprecating remarks during the event without directly saying anything about the recent scandal.
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"It was quite difficult for me to get to Javits Center today. One or two people in the way," said of the paparazzi she attracted. "You might have heard that."
After the footage was released on Sunday, Ferguson made an apology for her "serious lapse in judgment," saying her financial situation had put her under stress.
The royal family has kept mum about the scandal. Prince Andrews recently dodged questions from reporters while at a software firm in Cambridge Wednesday, and Queen Elizabeth chose not to address Ferguson's blunder when she appeared at the opening of Parliament on Tuesday.
Friends of Ferguson claim the duchess is considering making a fresh start in the United States.
Popeater.com columnist Rob Shuter, and friend of Ferguson said, "The Brits that I talk to hate her. They're so angry about what she's done. And she's aware of that. I think she'd love to stay in New York, America, and start fresh."
The duchess has written several children's books. She is in New York promoting her latest series, called "Helping Hand Books," which includes four titles: "Matthew and the Bullies," "Emily's First Day of School," "Ashley Learns About Strangers" and "Michael and His New Baby Brother."
Among the scores of autograph seekers was Jennifer Paley, a second-grade teacher from Schenectady, N.Y.
"She's human," she said, referring to Ferguson's scandal. "It's probably hard to figure out who you can trust and who you can't."