Duchess of York Reportedly Explored Cloning Royal Corgis for Reality TV Show
Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, has reportedly considered a controversial business venture involving the cloning of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis, Muick and Sandy, for a potential US reality television show. While Ferguson has denied progressing any such discussions, claims suggest she explored the idea with Hollywood producers, aiming to genetically replicate the royal pups for sale to other dog enthusiasts globally.
The alleged discussions are said to have taken place approximately eight months after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, when Ferguson took custody of the two corgis. According to reports, she engaged with US television company Halcyon Studios, exploring ways to capitalise on the dogs’ unique connection to the monarchy.
A source close to the matter reportedly told media outlets: “She was pushing to get back into TV and make some money. She came up with the idea of featuring the Queen’s corgis in a show. And that included the idea of breeding them. Bizarre as it sounds, the idea of cloning them was discussed.”
These discussions allegedly involved Zoom meetings and email exchanges, culminating in Hollywood executives drafting a synopsis for a proposed series. The synopsis reportedly outlined a narrative where Sarah Ferguson, upon inheriting the Queen’s corgis, embarks on a “bold and controversial business venture – cloning the royal pups.” The show’s premise was to follow her as she navigated the complexities of genetics, royal protocol, and her personal relationships with the Royal Family.
The Science and Ethics of Pet Cloning
The process of cloning involves extracting DNA from adult cells and transferring it into an egg cell that has had its genetic material removed. This reconstructed embryo is then implanted into a surrogate mother, with the aim of producing a genetically identical offspring.
However, pet cloning is a subject of significant ethical debate and concern among animal welfare organisations and experts. Critics argue that the procedure can be cruel and unnatural, often requiring surgical procedures on multiple animals: the DNA donor, the egg donor, and the surrogate mother. Organisations like the RSPCA have voiced concerns about the potential for pain and suffering for the animals involved, as well as the risk of genetic abnormalities in the cloned offspring.
In the United Kingdom, commercial pet cloning is prohibited. While it is not illegal to collect skin samples for the purpose of cloning abroad, the practice remains a contentious issue. The reported synopsis for Ferguson’s potential show appeared to acknowledge these ethical considerations, suggesting that the series would explore the controversies surrounding the cloning process.
A Business Venture or a Passion Project?
The synopsis further detailed how Ferguson, with the assistance of scientists and investors, would establish a company named “The Queen’s Corgis,” with the objective of cloning and selling the royal corgis worldwide. The narrative was intended to take viewers on a journey through the world of genetics and cloning, while also delving into the inner workings of the Royal Family. It promised to showcase the “highs and lows” of Ferguson’s business venture, highlighting her determination and resilience. Ultimately, the show aimed to inspire viewers with the “incredible bond between humans and animals” and the “enduring legacy of the Queen’s beloved corgis.”
It’s worth noting that Prince Andrew gifted Muick and Sandy to the Queen, in part, to provide her with companionship following the death of Prince Philip. Ferguson was later seen walking the corgis on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
A spokesperson for Sarah Ferguson issued a statement addressing the reports: “Sarah Ferguson never progressed any discussions with Halcyon Studios, which were engineered by others, and withdrew from them of her own accord. She listens to TV proposals all the time but that doesn’t mean she is going to go through with them. If she had briefly seemed enthusiastic, that is just who Sarah is. Sarah never had any intention of monetising the corgis. She had been looking at doing a TV show about dogs for many years, long before she had the corgis and long before she was introduced to Halcyon Studios. She owns other types of dogs also. Any resulting show would never have been about the corgis alone.”
Ferguson and the Epstein Revelations
Separately, recent reports have also surfaced suggesting that Sarah Ferguson may have been offered substantial sums, reportedly a six-figure deal, from US television networks to “expose all” about her past association with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Ferguson, 66, has largely maintained a low profile since the public release of the Epstein files late last year, which indicated a closer relationship with the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender than previously understood. Correspondence revealed that Ferguson had met Epstein for lunch with her daughter shortly after his release from prison for soliciting prostitution with a minor. In another message, sent after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, Ferguson expressed gratitude to him, stating, “Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for.”
Following the publication of these emails, Ferguson reportedly checked into the exclusive Paracelsus Recovery centre in Zurich, Switzerland, in December. The clinic is known for its high-end treatments, with daily charges reportedly around £13,000. She had not been publicly seen or photographed since her granddaughter’s christening on December 12, until recent rumours emerged this week that she might have agreed to a tell-all television interview in the US.
The Sun newspaper reported that palace sources expressed concern over the possibility of Ferguson accepting an interview offer and revealing sensitive information. The publication indicated that Ferguson’s team had received “significant” bids from US television channels, with discussions also reportedly held with networks in the UK and Gulf states.
A source told The Sun: “Sarah and her team have had offers from all over the world for a sit-down. So she’s thinking things over very carefully. She and her team know a televised interview would be make or break for her in terms of salvaging her reputation. It would also give her the chance to spell out the fact she knew nothing about what Epstein and his associates were doing in terms of abusing girls.”
When approached by the BBC, book publisher Harper Collins, who have previously released titles concerning Ferguson, declined to comment on any potential discussions regarding a memoir.
