06/11/2008
Duchess Defends Documentary
Sarah Ferguson has stood by her decision to make a documentary exposing the plight of children living in a Turkish orphanage.
Her trip has been accused of stirring diplomatic relations, as Turkey vies for membership of the European Union.
However, Sarah, the former wife of the Duke of York, refuted suggestion she had undermined the Queen, and dragged the Royal Family into the row.
Princess Eugenie of York accompanied her mother on the trip, which will be broadcast on ITV tonight.
The 18-year-old Royal is seen crying in the film, which reportedly shows disabled children tied to beds at the orphanage.
Government officials in Turkey have blasted the Duchess and her daughter for their secret visit to the state-run facility, and described it as a "smear" campaign.
Sarah has insisted she is "happy with courage" to stand by the film, with Eugenie stating conditions at the Zeytinburnu Rehabilitation Centre in Istanbul had "opened her eyes".
When asked whether it was right for a member of the Royal Family to take part in such an investigation, Sarah was quick to remind reporters - assembled at a press screening of the documentary - she was no longer a Royal figure, having been stripped of her rank and title after her divorce.
Princess Eugenie did not accompany her mother on a second trip, when the Duchess donned a disguise.
Sarah has retained that her motive was to view the situation as a mum, and denied any suggestions it was a political mission.
"I went as a mum, and I went because those children are silent whispers.
"I would never in a million years believe myself to be political in any way, shape or form.
"I am apolitical and multi-faith. And I certainly support 100% Her Majesty, more than anyone else in my world."
Earlier this week, the Foreign Office distanced itself from the documentary, and the views expressed by the Duchess.
British officials reaffirmed their commitment to Turkish accession to the EU, stating the Duchess's visit was undertaken in a "private capacity".
(PR/JM)
Her trip has been accused of stirring diplomatic relations, as Turkey vies for membership of the European Union.
However, Sarah, the former wife of the Duke of York, refuted suggestion she had undermined the Queen, and dragged the Royal Family into the row.
Princess Eugenie of York accompanied her mother on the trip, which will be broadcast on ITV tonight.
The 18-year-old Royal is seen crying in the film, which reportedly shows disabled children tied to beds at the orphanage.
Government officials in Turkey have blasted the Duchess and her daughter for their secret visit to the state-run facility, and described it as a "smear" campaign.
Sarah has insisted she is "happy with courage" to stand by the film, with Eugenie stating conditions at the Zeytinburnu Rehabilitation Centre in Istanbul had "opened her eyes".
When asked whether it was right for a member of the Royal Family to take part in such an investigation, Sarah was quick to remind reporters - assembled at a press screening of the documentary - she was no longer a Royal figure, having been stripped of her rank and title after her divorce.
Princess Eugenie did not accompany her mother on a second trip, when the Duchess donned a disguise.
Sarah has retained that her motive was to view the situation as a mum, and denied any suggestions it was a political mission.
"I went as a mum, and I went because those children are silent whispers.
"I would never in a million years believe myself to be political in any way, shape or form.
"I am apolitical and multi-faith. And I certainly support 100% Her Majesty, more than anyone else in my world."
Earlier this week, the Foreign Office distanced itself from the documentary, and the views expressed by the Duchess.
British officials reaffirmed their commitment to Turkish accession to the EU, stating the Duchess's visit was undertaken in a "private capacity".
(PR/JM)
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