Fergie loses battle to block book that landed her in diplomatic row
Fergie loses battle to block book that landed her in diplomatic row
By KATIE NICHOLL
Last updated at 11:54 PM on 10th October 2009
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A controversial book about the brutality of Turkish orphanages that landed the Duchess of York in a diplomatic row is to be published – even though the Queen’s lawyers tried to get it banned.
Sarah Ferguson penned the preface to Under Cover, written by ITN investigative reporter Chris Rogers, when she initially fully co-operated on the book with the backing of Buckingham Palace.
But she later instructed lawyers to halt its publication after her involvement sparked a major row between Turkey and Britain.
Cover up: Sarah Ferguson dons a disguise for her mission
Turkey claims the Duchess, who has also made a television documentary about conditions in orphanages there, entered the country and filmed illegally.
Last month she appointed Farrer & Co, the Queen’s lawyers, claiming much of the book was her copyright.
But last night publishers Authentic Media insisted the book, which contains in-depth interviews with the Duchess about the state of Turkey’s orphanages, will be published early next year.
Lawyers acting for author Mr Rogers and his publishers are understood to have given Farrer & Co a 30-day deadline to present their full case for a ban.
The Duchess of York's controversial book
The deadline has now passed and a spokesman for the publishers said: ‘We are passionate about highlighting the issues raised in the book and were disappointed there was a move to block its publication. We are happy that publication is going ahead.
‘The book would not have been possible without Sarah Ferguson’s dedication and unstinting co-operation. The fact she has pledged so much of her life to helping these children is a tribute to her and her family.
'Had the book not been published it would have been a tragedy for the children’s charities to which much of the proceeds of sales will go.’
The Duchess, with the blessing of the Palace and ex-husband Prince Andrew, first agreed to get involved after the success of her undercover ITV programme Duchess And Daughters: Their Secret Mission, which she also made with Mr Rogers.
The programme included footage of Sarah and her youngest daughter Eugenie in disguise visiting the orphanages.
At one point Princess Eugenie was filmed crying over children who were shackled to their cots in soiled nappies.
When the programme aired it caused a major row with Turkey, which claimed the crew had been filming illegally. Turkey also accused the Duchess of being ‘ill-intentioned’ and trying to scupper its entry into the EU, an allegation that her side denied.
It is understood the Palace then became reluctant for the Duchess to put her name to the book and last month Sarah withdrew her co-operation.
By that stage the 49-year-old Duchess had already written the foreword and appeared on the book’s cover.
A source said: ‘Sarah was paid for her involvement in the book and had been fully committed to it.
'There was a sense of disbelief when she suddenly announced she was pulling out. The success of the book depends entirely on her involvement.
‘There was genuine diplomatic pressure put on Sarah, which is why she wanted the book pulled. The manuscript still contains a foreword by Sarah but it hasn’t been decided if that will go into the final proof.’
Mr Rogers said: ‘I am happy publication is going ahead. The book will highlight the need to end the plight of over a million unwanted children and is an inspiring story that will help raise much-needed funds for charity.’
A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said: ‘We cannot comment on any legal proceedings.’