Duchess's 'Budgie' in clear

LOUISE JURY

Buckingham Palace yesterday dismissed suggestions that it would be studying details of the Duchess of York's latest multi-million-pound business deal, for fear she was exploiting her links with the Royal Family.

A spokesman said the Duchess was well aware of its position on the unauthorised commercial marketing of the Royal name and reputation, and added that her business ventures were her own affair.

The Duchess is due back in Britain from America this week after clinching the deal, which is thought to involve the worldwide publishing rights to her cartoon creation, Budgie the Helicopter. It should help clear her debts, said to exceed pounds 1m, and enable creditors to be paid.

According to reports, the American behind the venture is Ray Chambers, 53, a multi-millionaire entrepreneur.

Despite the Palace's lack of interest in the fine print, children's cartoon creator Geoffrey Hanson said he was keeping a close eye on her plans.

He wrote to the Duchess last year, pointing out that her idea for a cartoon series with talking fruit and vegetables appeared to be based on his own creation, The Buddies. The Duchess's scheme was reportedly dropped, but Mr Hanson said he had never received any official assurances.