Andrew meets with queen over scandal

LONDON, May 24 (UPI) -- Britain's Prince Andrew met with his mother, the queen, Monday to discuss his ex-wife's alleged effort at influence peddling, the Daily Mail reported.

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, allegedly tried to sell access to her former husband for 500,000 pounds ($750,000), British newspapers reported.

The Daily Mail reported Andrew met with Queen Elizabeth Monday about the scandal. The reports said he was unaware of what his ex-wife was doing, and Ferguson has apologized and offered to move out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

A reporter from News of the World allegedly set up a sting, asking Sarah Ferguson to introduce him to the prince, who works as a trade envoy, in exchange for cash. She reportedly was taped pocketing a $40,000 down payment.

"Look after me and he (Andrew) will look after you," Ferguson is quoted as saying on the tape. "You'll get it back ten-fold. I can open any door you want."

The Los Angeles Times reported Scotland Yard said there was nothing illegal about the conversation.

Ferguson, 50, is reported on the brink of bankruptcy. Opposition lawmakers called for a tax investigation of the duchess.

Ferguson was in Los Angeles Sunday, attending a black-tie charity award dinner where she received the Catherine Variety Sheridan Award for her work with underprivileged and disabled children.