Sarah Ferguson's 50k Interview

2 months ago 07th Sep 14:00

Britain's Duchess of York is set to receive £50,000 for a tell-all interview.

Sarah Ferguson - who has two children, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, with Prince Andrew - has reportedly signed an exclusive deal with Hello! magazine to mark her 50th birthday next month.

The deal was hammered out just days after it was revealed Sarah had been taken to court three times in the past year over £21,539 in unpaid bills.

An insider said: "Her 50th birthday has come at just the right time. The Duchess is getting a substantial sum and she is delighted."

Sarah has denied claims she is nearing bankruptcy, despite three companies lodging claims at county court after she allegedly failed to pay her bills.

A spokesperson for the Duchess insisted all accounts had been settled before a court had to make a judgment, but could not explain why the three firms had taken legal action.

Her 50th birthday has come at just the right time. The Duchess is getting a substantial sum and she is delighted.

She added: "The Duchess of York employs staff including accountants. As far as her personal finances are concerned, this is a private matter."

One claim was from accountants MJ Brooks, of Harpenden, Hertfordshire, demanding £18,132 for an unpaid bill and legal fees.

The second case involved a law firm who filed a claim against the duchess for £1,750 on April 7 this year.

But the unnamed firm issued a statement saying: "We do not confirm or deny whether or not the Duchess of York is or has ever been our client, but I can confirm that she definitely does not owe us any money."

The third claim was brought by a photographic studio.

A source close to the duchess told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "'I have no idea how it got to this stage, but there are no concerns about her personal finances, and to suggest otherwise would be wrong."

In the 1990s, Sarah came close to being declared bankrupt. At one point she owed bankers Coutts almost £5million.

She turned her fortunes around, thanks to her range of children's books, public speaking engagements and role as a Weight Watchers ambassador.