Sarah Ferguson 'plotted to clone Queen's corgis' and 'cash-in on canines' for reality TV series

Described by producers as a "bold and controversial business venture", the show proposed by the former Duchess of York in 2023 involved getting the Queen's dogs genetically replicated in the name of entertainment.

The iconic pups, much loved by the late Queen, were bestowed to Fergie eight months after her death in September 2022.

Now, it's been reported that the former wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attempted to cash in on the canines, pitching a concept that would see the royal dogs genetically replicated in the name of entertainment.

A lucrative concept - one that is currently legal in the US - a cloned pure bred corgi can typically sell for up to £75,000 in the US.

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The concept would appeal "to other dog lovers around the world", a source told the Mail on Sunday.

Queen Elizabeth's beloved corgis, Muick and Sandy, become known the world over after regularly being photographed with the late royal.

Following her death, Fergie is said to have sought to monetise what remained of her royal connection, speaking with a number of TV companies about the concept, according to the Mail.

After talking to Ms Ferguson, producers wrote up a synopsis of the pitch, which read: "When Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is bequeathed two of the Queen’s beloved corgis, she decides to embark on a bold and controversial business venture – cloning the royal pups.

"But as she navigates the complex world of genetics and royal protocol, Sarah must also grapple with her own personal demons and strained relationship with the royal family."

It's reported that the royal met with US TV executives at Halcyon Studios in Los Angeles, with the idea discussed over a number of lunches and dinners.

"She was pushing to get back into TV and make some money," said a source.

"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."

The source, who was reportedly close to the negotiations, told the outlet: "There were Zoom meetings with the TV people and email exchanges. At one point she wanted to get what she called her "team" involved.

"Sarah seemed to be up for anything provided she was paid – and particularly if she could do some travelling in the process and meet rich aristos who might like to own a corgi."

The project was later abandoned.

LBC has reached out to Sarah Ferguson's representative for comment.