Duchess apologizes

Britain's Duchess of York, caught on camera apparently offering to sell access to her ex-husband, UK trade envoy Prince Andrew, said Sunday she was sorry for her "serious lapse in judgment."

According to footage on the News of the World newspaper's website, Sarah Ferguson appears to ask for $40,000 in cash and 500,000 pounds ($718,500) by wire transfer, claiming she could introduce the undercover reporter to the prince.

Prince Andrew, the fourth in line to the throne "categorically" denied any knowledge of the meeting that took place between the Duchess of York and the News of the World, Buckingham Palace said.

The Duchess said she deeply regretted the sting and admitted her financial situation was "under stress," British media reported.

"I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused," Ferguson said.

"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 added.

Source: Global Times