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Sarah Ferguson selling food blenders on QVC

Sarah Ferguson sells blenders on QVC
Sarah Ferguson sells blenders on QVC



The Duchess of York has made another controversial TV appearance. This time's she's not being filmed secretly selling access to her ex-husband, or pouring her heart out to Oprah: she's selling blenders on QVC. She's also crediting the blenders with her weight loss.

Sarah Ferguson told the host that she 'ballooned' to 192 pounds (around 16 stone), and realised she needed to change her life. Later in the show, she explained how the newspapers' jibes about her weight made her feel so low that she ate even more, and how the 'Duchess of Pork' nickname made matters even worse.

Her solution, she explained, was a blender - the £38 Fusion Xcelerator juicer, which she used to make low fat smoothies, which she said helped her lose 55 pounds.

The blender is promoted on her Duchess Discoveries website launched earlier this year - in which she endorses a range of products. The items can then be bought through her website, helping raise cash for the Royal.
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Royal business

Ferguson's financial struggles have been well-documented, but she has always been ready to work hard to get back on track. The Discoveries venture is the latest in a long line of businesses established by the Duchess. In her time she has also sold tea and scented candles (based on tea scents). She has been an ambassador for Weightwatchers and a spokesperson for Wedgwood and Avon, and she has sold a number of books - ranging from diet books to children's stories and a memoir.

Her weightloss and jewellery firm was less of a success, but it should never be said that the Duchess isn't willing to give things a go.

She has faced plenty of ridicule for her efforts to make money, but she's not the only Royal in the sales business. Prince Charles has his Duchy Originals brand and his Highgrove range - although profits are donated to charity. The Duchess of Cornwall also sold a limited edition of honey - made by the bees in her garden. The 250 jars sold out in two weeks - at £20 each - with the proceeds going to the Medical Detection Dogs charity.

The Royals also do a roaring trade in memorabilia and items from the shops on their estates, and in historic buildings and castles. Princess Charlotte's christening alone gave them the opportunity to sell tankards at £39 each, commemorative plates at £45 and pill boxes at £45. Then there's the ticket income from a variety of historic attractions owned by the Royal family - including summer visitors to Buckingham Palace - which is rising every year.

It seems, therefore, that we're happy to see the Royals cashing in on their family name, we just have a problem when the Duchess of York does exactly the same thing. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments.

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