New York ( CNN ) -- Sarah Ferguson , the Duchess of York , appeared at a book convention in New York City on Wednesday , undeterred by a scandal that she allegedly offered to sell access to her former husband , Britain 's Prince Andrew . `` It was quite difficult for me to get to Javits Center this morning , '' she said . `` One or two people in the way , but then , perhaps you 've read that , '' Ferguson said , joking about photographers following her every move . Ferguson , who is a best-selling children 's book author , spoke at a breakfast at the Book Expo America conference , an annual convention of booksellers . She avoided CNN questions about the scandal . She is promoting her new series of books , `` Helping Hand Books . '' The publisher describes them as stories aimed at children going through growing pains . On Sunday , the News of the World tabloid posted a video on its website that appears to show Ferguson accepting money from an undercover reporter in exchange for access to Prince Andrew . Ferguson is also filmed on hidden camera telling the reporter -- who was posing as a wealthy businessman -- that a payment of 500,000 pounds ( $ 723,000 ) `` opens doors '' to Andrew . She then shakes hands with the reporter after he accepts the deal . In a statement issued Sunday , Ferguson apologized for the incident . `` I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused , '' the statement 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 . '' The tabloid said its reporter and Ferguson met on two occasions , once in New York and another time in London . In the heavily edited , roughly 4-minute video , Ferguson appears to accept $ 40,000 as a down payment for a meeting with Andrew , then later discusses a wire transfer of the larger sum . `` If we want to do a big deal with Andrew , then that 's the big one , '' she says . When asked how she would receive the 500,000 pounds , she tells the reporter , `` You send it to the bank account that I tell you to send it to . '' In her statement Sunday , Ferguson confirmed Andrew `` was not aware or involved in any of the discussions that occurred . ... The Duke has made a significant contribution to his business role over the last 10 years and has always acted with complete integrity . '' The next day , Buckingham Palace released a statement saying Prince Andrew knew nothing about about the alleged offer . `` The Duke of York categorically denies any knowledge of any meeting or conversation between the Duchess of York and the News of the World journalist , '' Buckingham Palace said , using alternate titles for Prince Andrew and Sarah . Ferguson . He has carried out his role as a British trade envoy since 2001 `` with complete and absolute propriety and integrity , '' the palace said .
The Duchess of York is a bestselling author of children 's books . She is at book launch to promote new series about overcoming stomach cancer . Tabloid shows video that appears to show her accepting money for charity . Ferguson apologizes ; palace says Prince Andrew unaware of alleged deal .