Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, Caught in Bribery Sting (Video)

In an unfortunate and embarrassing turn of events, Britain's Duchess of York and former wife of Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, has been caught in a bribery sting.

Mahzer Mahmood, an undercover reporter for the British tabloid paper, The News of the World, posed as a foreign businessman seeking a meeting with The Duchess of York when it was learned that she had been taking money for arranging meetings between businessmen and Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew, who has claimed to have no knowledge of the meetings, acts as the British trade envoy promoting business deals for the United Kingdom around the world.

According to The UK Daily Mail, the aides of the duchess met first with Mahzer Mahmood, asking him to sign a seven- page confidentiality agreement and to pay £27,600 ($40,000) in advance. Mr. Mahmood refused to sign the agreement, but did agree to pay the money and the meeting was set up.

In a video tape of the meeting, which has been posted on the website of The News of the World ,Sarah Ferguson is seen and heard telling Mr. Mahmood , "you take care of me and he'll take care of you."

She is also heard telling the reporter that when he pays £500,000 to her, it will "open doors." Mr. Mahmood asked if it would be, "Prince Andrew." The Duchess of York replies, "yeah" and they shake hands on the deal. Sarah Ferguson is then seen accepting $40,000 down payment with the promise of more to come.

Where this will all lead for the duchess and the royal family remains to be seen. But, as would be expected, there is great embarrassment for everyone, particularly Prince Andrew who continues to share a home with the duchess even though they have been divorced since 1996.

Sarah Ferguson has reportedly said she will move out of the royal residence to spare the royal family and particularly, Prince Andrew, any further humiliation and embarrassment.

But, given that she continues to have serious financial difficulties, where she would live and how she would support herself remains in question.

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew are the parents to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenia.

See the Video of Sarah Ferguson Accepting the Money Here

Sources:

The New York Times
The Guardian UK
The Daily Mail
News of the World