I should learn to beware of strangers: Fergie jokes to U.S. book fair about crisis

By Rebecca English for the Daily Mail and Daniel Bates
Updated: 18:36 EST, 26 May 2010

The Duchess of York attempted to put a brave face on her cash-for-access scandal yesterday, wryly revealing she had written a book on 'stranger danger'.

At a New York book fair, Sarah Ferguson referred to her attempt to sell access to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, to an undercover reporter for £500,000 - despite never having met the bogus businessman before.

'Actually, when I was going to talk to you about my books, I suddenly realised that maybe I should take a leaf out of my own books,' she told her audience at Book Expo America.

Sarah Ferguson poses with one of her 'Helping Hands' books at the Book Expo in New York today

Defiant: Sarah Ferguson poses with one of her 'Helping Hands' books at the Book Expo in New York

'My books say they are "helping hand" books. And one of my books is Ashley Learns About Strangers.'

At this point she paused and looked up at her audience, who hooted with laughter, before adding: 'Or Matthew and the Bullies. Hmm.'

Arriving on stage at the prestigious industry event, where she was plugging her series of children's books offering advice on personal and emotional issues, she seemed nervous and wrung her hands repeatedly.

She soon warmed to her theme, however, and even alluded to her own problems.

Introducing a fellow author, she said: 'In his books, he tries to give readers lead characters they can look up to and leads us to believe that problems actually can be solved. I think I'll read it immediately. I love the way you talk about forgiveness.'

She told the audience of children's book professionals: 'I am a children's book author, I am Sarah Ferguson, I am a mum and I'm very very proud of that.'

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, speaks at the Book Expo America in New York

Sarah Ferguson looking very pensive at the Book Expo America in New York...

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, speaks at the Book Expo America in New York

... managing a smile as she makes a speech to the audience...

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, speaks at the Book Expo America in New York

... making a serious point as the 'cash for access' scandal rumbles on

She also said she was a 'foghorn for silent whispers' and 'does not like grown-ups'.

Later, she added: 'Today you have been amazing. Today we have learned passion and forgiveness. We have learned that real life is too extreme for fiction. I second that big-time.'

The Mail can reveal that the 50-year-old Duchess is due to fly back from the U.S. today for a family conference at Royal Lodge, the Windsor mansion she still shares with her ex-husband despite their 1996 divorce, this weekend.

She will meet the Queen's son and their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to talk about the events of the past week and her plans for the future.

Friends have told the Mail that she will offer to move out of the mansion to spare Andrew any more embarrassment.

Sarah Ferguson carries a copy of her new children's book Michael And His New Baby Brother as she goes to a metting with celebrity agent Ken Sunshine in New York
Sarah Ferguson leaves Barnes and Noble headquarters in Manhattan in New York City

On the treadmill: Sarah Ferguson arriving to see her publicity agent in New York carrying her latest children's book Michael And His New Baby Brother and, right, leaving the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Manhattan

She may even make a semi-permanent base in the U.S., which she feels is more 'forgiving'.

'She is still very fragile over what has happened and is mortified by the embarrassment she has caused to the prince and their family,' one explained.

'It is too early to say what will happen but the girls are very worried about her and everyone just wants to talk this through face to face.

'Sarah has been inundated with calls and texts from Beatrice and Eugenie telling her to "chin up" and that they can't wait to see her.

'The girls say they will support their mother in whatever she decides to do but they are keen for her at least to keep a room in the house and Andrew is likely to bear that in mind.'

Prince Andrew visiting the Cambridge Business Park yesterday
Prince Andrew at Cambride Business Park

Showdown: Prince Andrew, visiting an engineering company in Cambridge, is due to meet up with his ex-wife later this week to discuss the 'cash-for-access' scandal


Comments (40)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now