The Duchess of York has alluded to a bribery scandal involving Prince Andrew in an appearance to promote her latest children's books.

Beset by money woes, Sarah Ferguson was caught on video offering an undercover reporter access to her former husband for £500,000.

"As you all know, I really don't like grown-ups. I prefer children," Ferguson quipped at BookExpo America at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre before several hundred book dealers.

She was one of four children's book authors at the event promoting and signing their new books.

The Duchess made a number of offhand, self-deprecating remarks during the event without directly saying anything about the recent scandal.

The News of the World first reported the influence-peddling story on Sunday, with a front-page headline that blared: "Fergie 'sells' Andy for 500K."

She issued a statement apologising for causing embarrassment and a "serious lapse in judgment" and said Andrew "was not aware or involved in any of the discussions that occurred."

The Duchess has written several children's books. Her latest series is called "Helping Hand Books" and includes four titles: "Matthew and the Bullies," "Emily's First Day of School," "Ashley Learns About Strangers" and "Michael and His New Baby Brother."