Fergie to appear on Oprah show after scandal

Britain's Duchess of York will give her first interview about a cash-for-access scandal when she appears on Oprah Winfrey's US television show next week, it was confirmed Thursday.

A statement from the Oprah show said Sarah Ferguson will talk about the sting operation by a British newspaper where she was caught apparently accepting 500,000 pounds (723,000 dollars) in exchange for access to ex-husband Prince Andrew.

"In a world-wide exclusive interview, Oprah talks to the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, as she speaks for the first time about the recent video that has made headlines around the world," the statement said.

The interview would air next Tuesday, it added.

On Sunday, Ferguson apologized for a "serious lapse in judgment" after the British tabloid News of the World published the story.

Ferguson also admitted having financial problems after she appeared to agree to be paid by a journalist posing as a businessman, in a video that was secretly filmed by the News of the World.

In return for the money, the paper said she promised to introduce the undercover reporter to the prince, who is Queen Elizabeth II's second son and Britain's special representative for international trade and investment.

As well as making the deal for half a million pounds the footage also showed Ferguson sitting in front of a pile of cash apparently handed to her as an advance payment.

After the publication of the report Sunday, the duchess issued an apology for her actions and said the prince had not been aware of the meetings. In the video, Ferguson had suggested the prince knew about the discussions.

"I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused," she said in a statement.

"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."

"I am sincerely sorry for my actions," she added.

Also this week, Ferguson was in Los Angeles where she accepted an award for her work with a children's charity.

"I hate grown-ups, and I love children. Thank you very much," she said as she accepted her award at the Hollywood event on Sunday.