The Duchess of York has pulled out of scheduled appearance on Michael Parkinson's high-profile chat show as a result of pressure from Buckingham Palace it was revealed on Thursday.
The one-hour programme was due to have been devoted in its entirety to the Duchess, who had agreed to participate to promote the charity Tommy's Building Blocks, of which she is patron.
Buckingham Palace apparently refused permission for her to take part amid concerns over the current scandal following the abrupt end to the Paul Burrell trial. The decision was reflected by Fergie's spokesperson who said: "The Duchess thought it was inappropriate to go ahead at this time."
"Parky", as he is fondly known to British TV viewers, prides himself on his incisive interview technique, and there are believed to have been worries over what the Duchess might end up saying. "He would have asked about her relationship with Prince Andrew and other Royals as well as fallout from the Burrell trial," explained a BBC official. "She knew that and was still quite keen to appear. But the Palace stopped her – they felt she could not be trusted."
Although an issue of the Radio Times bearing the Duchess's picture on its cover was halfway through it's print run when the news of the cancellation came through, the BBC says it "fully understood" Sarah's decision.
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