LARRY KING TRANSCRIPT
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Aired October 21, 2003 - 21:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LARRY KING, HOST: Tonight, Sarah Ferguson. With style, with grace, the duchess of York has survived scandals and divorce, beaten a weight problem, climbed back out of bankruptcy. There's no one like her. Sarah Ferguson, the duchess of York, for the hour, with your phone calls, is next on LARRY KING LIVE.
She's author of a terrific new children's book, "Little Red," with wonderful illustrations by Sam Williams (ph). She's a spokesperson for Weight Watchers International, founder of Children in Crisis, the British-based charity, and Chances for Children, the United States-based charity. She flies helicopters. She's a whiz. She's a duchess. She's a princess. She's royalty, and she's back on LARRY KING LIVE.
SARAH FERGUSON, DUCHESS OF YORK: And you're the king!
KING: Hey, this could be made in heaven!
(LAUGHTER)
KING: OK, anyway, Sarah, your -- what do I call you?
FERGUSON: Sarah's good.
KING: Sarah's good. First let's discuss the thing we have to discuss first.
FERGUSON: OK.
KING: What do you make of the Diana letter?
FERGUSON: Well, firstly, I think it's very sad, really, because -- you know, God bless her and rest in peace, you know? She's -- it's so sad, the letter. I really miss her, you know? And she's in our hearts.
KING: You were close, right?
FERGUSON: Yes. Really, really, so close. And I just think, you know, here he is, writing another book and making, you know, money from memories. And I just think, you know, let's just -- let's -- she was such a great person, you know? We don't need to know any more.
KING: Was she the kind who had premonitions?
FERGUSON: Well, I don't know about that, but the thing is, is that she lived in such a high-profile life, you know? She was such a great humanitarian. She was always out there. I should imagine she had a lot of fears, like a lot of people in public life, you know? It is frightening, isn't it, when there's so many people look at you, you know, that it's -- it's very sad to think that yet again we have to be discussing it, really, Larry, because it means that yet again, someone else is benefiting from her -- from her death, really.
KING: Why do you think she stays so much -- I mean, Paul Burrell, who wrote this book -- I mean, he didn't reveal it earlier. He reveals it now. He's appeared before. Why do you think she stays so much in the consciousness of people?
FERGUSON: I think because she did so much good, you know? She really did. She was out there. She really worked hard for the children, didn't she. And we always remember her as such a loving, giving person. And I think it's so sad. It was such a tragedy and such a tragic end.
KING: It would be logical, then, if she had some paranoia, right, with all the protection and the guards and the security and the flashbulbs?
FERGUSON: I don't know what the word "paranoia" really means.
KING: Well, fear of the unknown, fear of something, to fear...
FERGUSON: I think we all live with fears. I think you do, we all do. And I think that every person in our life -- I think that's the main thing we have to come to terms with, what are the fears that drive us? I mean, what are the fears that have driven me to overindulgence of food and overindulgence of spending and all the other things I did was fear of my own self. So, you know, was that paranoid? I don't know. But it certainly -- we all have to deal with fierce.
KING: Do you buy anything, as to a conspiracy? Does your mind go that route?
FERGUSON: Moving on. Let's move on.
KING: So you're not going to comment one way or the other on it?
FERGUSON: I think -- I think it's a very difficult subject for me to get into because it would just open such a can of worms, and I really don't feel that it would be right for her memory.
KING: Because you still also have a -- you're part of the crown, right? Your children are.
FERGUSON: Yes, I think...
KING: In fact, your children are loved by the family, right?
FERGUSON: They -- well, thank you. They are 13 and 15 now, Larry, and they are very, very good, solid children. I've brought them up to feet on the ground. And I've brought them up to understand public life is always going to be with them. So if they're chased by the press or if they're running around, they've got to know that, you know, it is frightening out there, but they're safe and loved. And I think that's what we can do.
KING: Did you once warn Diana about being spied upon?
FERGUSON: I think Diana and I had lots of conversations, and I can't remember them. But I certainly was there for her all the way.
KING: Were you surprised at the letter from Prince Philip to Diana, expressing shock that Charles would leave her for Camilla?
FERGUSON: I don't -- I know nothing of that letter.
KING: Will you read the Paul Burrell book?
FERGUSON: No.
KING: Even though you were involved in everything? I mean, you know...
FERGUSON: You're such a good interviewer, Larry!
KING: You will not read the book?
FERGUSON: No.
KING: Not out of simple curiosity?
FERGUSON: No, no. Seriously, I won't.
KING: OK. OK.
FERGUSON: You know, she's -- let's remember her.
KING: OK. Do you know...
FERGUSON: You know, I don't want...
(CROSSTALK)
KING: Do you know Camilla, by the way?
FERGUSON: Yes, I do. Yes.
KING: Do you like her?
FERGUSON: Yes. She's good lady, a very good lady.
KING: Do you think Di would have liked her?
FERGUSON: I'm sure she would have.
KING: Really? Do you think they're going to get married?
FERGUSON: No comment! I have no idea. We have to ask him. (LAUGHTER)
KING: OK. You're there. I'm not. I don't know him. What do I know.
FERGUSON: Well, exactly. But Larry -- Larry, well, go and ring Charles.
KING: Look, I'm going to other things.
FERGUSON: Ring Charles. Yes. Yes.
KING: I just want to -- OK.
FERGUSON: Let's get off this subject.
KING: How did you get along with Prince Philip?
FERGUSON: Let's get off this subject!
KING: OK, I will.
FERGUSON: That's a real torpedo, that one!
KING: How do your daughters cope with all this, by the way?
FERGUSON: They're doing very well, Larry. They are -- they're...
KING: I mean, they get press attention, do they not?
FERGUSON: Yes, they do, and...
KING: They're going to have a life of this.
FERGUSON: You know what I've said? I said to them that when they get out of the car, wherever they are in the world, they've got to get out and smile because there's somebody, 10th floor of a building in Oklahoma City or somewhere, they want to see princesses that are smiling, that are from -- they're from privilege. They've got great backgrounds. They've got a very lucky life. Now, smile and show the world that it's OK. You can -- it is all right. And don't look grumpy and sulky and put your head down. That's a bore. And you know what? They do it. And so they're safe and they're solid.
KING: Couple things, and we're moving on to other subjects.
FERGUSON: Thank goodness, Larry!
KING: Your focus on being a mother. Your own mother left you, right?
FERGUSON: Yes.
KING: Is that what drives you, do you think?
FERGUSON: I think that...
KING: Because you are major mother.
FERGUSON: I am a major mother, Larry.
KING: You are.
FERGUSON: Thank you. I really give my children what I actually never really got myself, which was a mum saying, It's OK. You're all right, you know? I am here. It's not frightening. I'm not going anywhere. And hugs. And you know that awful -- that horrible feeling, when you think there's a dragon under your bed, there isn't. All it is is just a fear.
KING: What do you think it's going to be like for the two boys?
FERGUSON: What, now?
KING: Yes. For them.
FERGUSON: I think they've coped with life incredibly well. I just think...
KING: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
FERGUSON: Yes, they're such great boys. And I think they should be left alone more, and I think they should be allowed to get on with their lives and just realize -- you know, they really are great boys. I mean, I think, you know, William is one of the nicest people I know. But I've always said that.
KING: They did a good job, did they not. The two parents may have had their problems with each other and problems with themselves. They raised two pretty good kids.
FERGUSON: Larry, that's exactly right. And when we look back now and all this Paul Burrell business, why not look at the real positive side of this, that Diana was the most fabulous mother. Charles is a great father. He really is. Single-handedly, he's brought those boys up. That's what should be spoken about, not the negative. It's too easy to go negative.
KING: Of course, you live in a city of tabloids, do you not?
FERGUSON: I know. It is.
KING: They're worse than America, right?
FERGUSON: But jealousy is a horrible thing. Why does everybody want to pull everybody down? In the United States of America, with the Iraq situation, you know, they went -- you trailblazed. You went forward. And yet everyone wants to pull you down. Why? Because you're trailblazers. I think it's great you showed courage, and I think more people should do that.
KING: Your people are doing it to Blair. FERGUSON: Absolutely. Absolutely.
KING: Pulling him down.
FERGUSON: But why not look at the positive side of life instead of doing that? And that's why there is so many tabloid newspapers, because so many people read it because they want to see the negative.
KING: They reinforce it.
FERGUSON: Yes.
KING: We'll take a break, come back and talk about losing weight with an expert. Sarah has done a good job, and she's spokesperson for Weight Watchers. We'll talk about her book, "Little Red," which is fascinating. We'll take a lot of your phone calls. You're watching LARRY KING LIVE.
Barbara Bush tomorrow night. Hey, we don't fool around. Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: Before we talk about weight and "Little Red," little updates on you. Are you involved with anyone? I know you told a magazine you want a boyfriend.
FERGUSON: Yes, I would like a boyfriend, Larry, you know? So if you could put it out...
KING: Do you date?
FERGUSON: Well, not yet. No one's come around. I think they're too frightened.
KING: No one has come around?
FERGUSON: No! Two years now.
KING: I'm shocked.
FERGUSON: I know.
KING: Two years.
FERGUSON: Two years, yes.
KING: So what are you doing? What's life...
FERGUSON: Well, see, I'm too busy...
KING: Before we talk about Weight Watchers...
FERGUSON: I'm having to...
KING: ... and the book. FERGUSON: I'm having to focus on my work really hard. And I've got a horse going to the Olympics next year, which I'm really excited about, a show-jumping horse. I mean, it was a horse I just found in Ireland. I liked him. He's a big -- something big, 17-hand stallion. And he's...
KING: What's his name?
FERGUSON: Baboo (ph).
KING: Baboo?
FERGUSON: Yes. And he's jumping for Ireland, and Robert Spain (ph), who rides in Green Coat (ph). And one day I said to Robert -- it was about 10 years ago. I said, Robert, We're going to win the Olympic gold. And he said, yes, to be sure, you know? Of course we're not. I said, We will. And we're...
KING: What event?
FERGUSON: ... qualified in show jumping next year. You'll see us there.
KING: That's going to be great -- in Greece.
FERGUSON: We're going to win the Olympic gold.
KING: You will go, will you not?
FERGUSON: I will. And I will win it. And then I'll write the story. And then I'll write a movie and win an Oscar.
KING: Would you ever take us up on the question about hosting your own show?
FERGUSON: Yes, Larry. You know, it was -- when you and I had lunch, you said start with radio because it's good practice, and go on. I did exactly what you said. I've now been doing a lot of radio and hope to have my own radio show probably starting next year. "From the Heart" it's going to be called. And I'm very excited. So you know, hopefully, one day I'll have my own TV talk show.
KING: Now, what do you do for Weight Watchers? Are you still their spokesperson?
FERGUSON: Absolutely. But the most important thing I want to -- really want to talk about today is the truth about carbohydrates, you know?
KING: The truth about carbohydrates?
FERGUSON: Yes, because...
KING: Like, what don't we know?
FERGUSON: Well, it's so annoying because the -- all these low- carb diets -- everybody's just eating protein, and they're not understanding if they don't put carbohydrates and vegetables in their diet, they are going to be very ill. These fad diets are extreme. It is so important. It's not just about weight loss, it's about health for the future.
KING: But the...
FERGUSON: You can do these low-carb diets and lose a lot of weight, and it works. Absolutely. Then three months later, all these problems come -- kidney problem, heart disease. I work for the American Cancer Society. I work for the American Heart Association. If you carry on with these low-carb diets, you are going to end up with problems.
KING: The argument made by the late Dr. Atkins and others is that carbs turn to sugar and sugar is bad.
FERGUSON: So that means that we have to cut out broccoli and every vegetable known to man...
KING: And bread.
FERGUSON: ... because it turns to sugar and it's...
KING: And rice.
FERGUSON: Yes. Brown rice, whole foods, whole grains. You have to have it to make your body work. Why? Because otherwise there's too much hyderocolic (ph) acid in your system, and it causes bad breath, spots, and your hair falls out, because I've done it.
KING: You need proteins and carbohydrates.
FERGUSON: You have to -- like life, you have a well balanced, rounded diet. Sorry.
KING: Now what is this, "The Truth About Carbs"?
FERGUSON: Larry, you're brilliant. Look...
KING: From Weight Watchers.
FERGUSON: It's a free brochure mailed to you by calling 1-877- 234-4321, go to weightwatchers.com. But go and find out about the truth about carbs. You can go on this Atkins diet and these South Beach, or whatever it's called, and all these things, but you come back to Weight Watchers in a year's time because you're going to have problems, and you are going to be ill. I can guarantee it because I was there. I had a migraine every 10 minutes because of these low- carb diets.
KING: So give me an idea of what you eat.
FERGUSON: What I eat now?
KING: Yes. FERGUSON: Oh, I can eat anything I like because with Weight Watchers, you can just count your points. So I'll get up in the morning, I'll have an egg white omelet, or today I had half a bagel and low-fat yogurt, which was delicious, you know? But I think -- and for lunch, I have fish and tomatoes and a potato. That's OK. And it was well-rounded and well balanced.
KING: Do you snack?
FERGUSON: Yes, I snack, nuts and dried fruits. And that's 11:00 o'clock and 4:00 o'clock because my sugar levels go down, so I get them back up. But you know, deprivation is fattening, you know? It causes binging and purging. And you know, if you deprive yourself and you stick to just eating only fats, bacon and eggs and all the things they suggest, then where is life? What is life about? It means for the rest of your time, for the next year, you have to only limit yourself to certain things. And it's going to...
KING: But they're all good things, though. That's one of the things that appeal -- the Atkins appeal...
FERGUSON: Yes. Yes.
KING: Hey, bacon ain't bad to...
FERGUSON: Bacon and eggs, fantastic, and cheese. And what about fruit? And what about the research that has proven from the American Cancer Society and from the American Heart that if you don't have these things, you are going to be ill?
KING: If you want this brochure, you can go to weightwatchers.com or call 1 -- it's toll-free -- 877-234-4321. It's simple enough. "The Truth About Carbs."
FERGUSON: And see you at Weight Watchers because you'll be back.
KING: Do you often -- do you attend Weight Watchers meetings?
FERGUSON: I do. I do.
KING: Still do?
FERGUSON: Yes. And you know why? Because that's the other thing. They support me. They're friends of mine. And we've all been through serious weight problems. I mean, you've lost so much weight, Larry. You look great. I...
KING: But I didn't want to. I just enjoyed losing.
FERGUSON: Oh, did you?
KING: Yes. I wanted to lose 4 pounds, I lost 15. Now I got to find out how to balance myself.
FERGUSON: Well, you can take a bit of mine back with you, if you want. Anyway but -- but the thing is, Larry, is... KING: How fat were you?
FERGUSON: I was about 220, 225 pounds.
KING: You're kidding!
FERGUSON: I was. And do you know, before my wedding, I went on these low-carb diets. And the day of my wedding, I had such a migraine. And probably had breath like you can't imagine, with terrible spots and hair falling out. It's just terrible. And I did it all because I knew it does work. Quick fix. But then...
KING: Do you now not now get migraines?
FERGUSON: No. I completely cleaned up, but it took me seven years of Weight Watchers, hard support and hard working on well- balanced, whole grain, whole food to get me back up.
KING: How did they contact you? Did they know about -- I mean, did they know you wanted to lose weight? How did that initial thing come about, you and Weight Watchers?
FERGUSON: I think the great Sir Anthony O'Reilly (ph) -- fantastic man. He said to me -- that's when Weight Watchers was owned by Heinz. He said to me, You know what? Maybe no one wants you in Britain, but we want you in the States. Go and tell them about your weight problem. And I did. And thanks to the American people. You just embraced me.
KING: Before we talk about the book -- you know Arnold Schwarzenegger, do you not?
FERGUSON: Yes, I do. And Maria.
KING: What do you think of them electing him as governor?
FERGUSON: Well, I was watching. It's incredible, really. He's going to make a huge success because he's...
FERGUSON: Were you in Great Britain?
FERGUSON: I was. And I watched it, Larry. But he's going to make a success of it because he's so determined, you know? He's hungry to make a change.
KING: And he's smart.
FERGUSON: He's got a lot -- he's got a hard ladder to climb to do it, hasn't he.
KING: Oh, yes.
FERGUSON: I mean, the deficit is huge.
KING: The state's in a lot of trouble.
FERGUSON: Yes. But he will do it. And with Maria by his side -- you know, she's a good, strong lady.
KING: Great lady.
FERGUSON: Yes. Great lady. I'm all for it. I think it's going to be great.
(CROSSTALK)
KING: Before we talk about the book, are you obsessed with your image? You can...
FERGUSON: Yes, I was. Absolutely, Larry. I was very obsessed. And I think that's why I can relate to a lot of people that are obsessed about the way they look. Now I'm not. Now I've learned to stop being the people pleaser and just take it as I am, you know? But it's difficult, Larry, everybody looks at you and goes, Oh, you know, she's put on weight, or, She's lost weight, or, you know, She looks old. The newspapers the other day said, She looks old for her 43- year-old frame, or something rude like that. Io thought, When did they see me?
KING: Are you 43?
FERGUSON: I'm 44 now.
KING: You look terrific.
FERGUSON: Birthday last week. Thanks, Larry.
KING: We'll talk about "Little Red" when we come back, and then we'll be going to your phone calls. Our guest is Sarah Ferguson, the duchess of York. Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: We'll go to your phone calls at the bottom of the hour. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has a new children's book out. It's called "Little Red," illustrated by Sam Williams. In association with the publication of this book, there is the Little Red doll. We have it here on set. Look at that beautiful little doll. These dolls, by the way, are made by our mutual friend, Bob Solomon (ph), at Applause (ph) here in southern California. They do a great job. And Little Red dolls will be available in gift, specialty and book stores starting November 17.
FERGUSON: That's right.
KING: And you do what with the proceeds from this doll?
FERGUSON: Every single penny from her goes to help America's children, not just in the United States but also in other countries, like...
KING: Is that part of your Children in Crisis?
FERGUSON: Absolutely. Chances for Children and Children in Crisis is merged together. And it's very exciting because we're doing very good work in Afghanistan now.
KING: We salute the people at Applause for getting involved with you, and they do great work.
FERGUSON: Do you know what? This is such high quality. They even put very fine underwear on, which is...
(LAUGHTER)
FERGUSON: ... with the little "LR" there. So everybody -- and she makes people happy, you know?
KING: Yes. Tell me a little history of how Little Red is...
FERGUSON: I drew her on the napkin. When the Oklahoma City bombing happened, what, eight-and-a-half years ago, I saw in front of "Newsweek," PJ, the little boy, being carried out by a fireman. I flew to Oklahoma, found the boy. I saw no one was looking after him, so I drew her and I made her. And I arranged for all the money to go for his medical bills.
KING: Why didn't you draw a little boy?
FERGUSON: I know. Well, I did draw a little boy called Little Blue, who's in the book. And he's Children in Crisis's logo. But I couldn't use the same thing...
KING: OK. And then Little Red got involved 9/11.
FERGUSON: What happened was -- exactly. So the exact same doll was found in the rubble, like PJ was found in the rubble of...
KING: Because your foundation had offices in that building.
FERGUSON: On the 101st floor. And what happened was, Little Red was found by a fireman. Just as little PJ was found by a fireman in Oklahoma, so was Little Red. And you actually spotted her and said, That's no child's doll, that's Little Red, Fergie's doll. You know? It was amazing, Larry. I couldn't believe you spotted her. Anyway, so she was found by the fireman and brought out. And now the really Little Red that was found in the rubble is in the Oklahoma museum. I gave her to Oklahoma because I thought the memory is so extraordinary.
KING: What's the book about?
FERGUSON: Well, what I decided to do was, because she's such a survivor, I thought I'd take the logo of Children in Crisis and the logo of Little Red and I'd take them on adventures. There's a bear and there's a dog called Gino (ph), and Rony (ph) the pony, which my mom and dad used to talk to me about. And I've made them go into adventures, into the woods to face their fears. In this book, particular, they hear a noise and they think to themselves, Oh, no. We can't go there. It's too frightening. And Little Red goes, No, you can face your fears. Let's go on. You never know what's going to happen. And sure enough, they go and they find a rabbit who's drowning and is not able to swim, and he's on a lily pond. And they rescue him and they realize that, in fact, had they not faced their fears, they'd never have rescued him and never made good friends.
KING: What age group?
FERGUSON: It's for, really, between, say, 3 and -- say 0 to 7, really. My girls -- my girls are 13 and 15, and they love her, so...
KING: Have you recorded it, too?
FERGUSON: I'm going to record it. Yes, I am. Definitely. And I'm going to do it also for children that are -- have a reading disability.
KING: What does Children in Crisis -- what do you do in Afghanistan, like?
FERGUSON: Well, we feed and clothe up to, say, 600 children a day. That includes boys and girls. We have the Carter-Say (ph) day center. Most important thing, education, health care and prevention. You know, if we don't educate the children, then the Afghanistan situation is going to come back and hit us. We have to educate that girls should be allowed to survive and to be educated, just as boys are. And that's what we do. We are now in 400 provinces in Afghanistan, not just in Kabul. And we work with the local people. We support them whole-heartedly, and we make sure that they have the dignity to carry on the work, not us.
KING: Little Red is available in stores now?
FERGUSON: Little Red is available in stores straightaway. And it's very exciting.
KING: Plan to do more Little Red books?
FERGUSON: I've got Little Red Christmas next year. And I'm going to go flying again in a helicopter.
KING: Yes, what is this? You're going on a polar -- what is...
FERGUSON: Yes, polar (UNINTELLIGIBLE) tomorrow.
KING: Tomorrow.
FERGUSON: Yes. I'm launching it in Reuters building in New York City at 12:00 o'clock. And my friend, Jeffa Murray (ph), 64 years old...
KING: What is it?
FERGUSON: Well, she's the first woman who's ever going to fly single-engine helicopter from South to North Pole in weather conditions which are extreme.
KING: Are you a pilot, too?
FERGUSON: I am a pilot. And -- but I'm not going to fly with her. She's doing it on her own, and I herald her -- 64 years old. And all the proceeds from that will go to the World Wildlife Foundation. But the great thing is, what a first, to go from pole to pole.
KING: In a helicopter.
FERGUSON: In a helicopter.
KING: Where -- how did you come to learn to fly a helicopter?
FERGUSON: Well, when I married Prince Andrew, he was a pilot, and so I couldn't understand a word he talked about because he -- they all talk in navex (ph) and abbreviations, certainly in the services. So I thought the only way to do it was to learn, so I learned. And it was the most difficult thing I've ever done, I think.
KING: Why a helicopter.
FERGUSON: Well, I suppose because it's so versatile. You know, it's like me. You can go anywhere. You don't have to have a runway, you can just sneak over fields and look and see what's going on. And you can chase rabbits from the air, you know?
KING: I just flew in one a couple weeks ago to see my face in a cornfield. And I'm shocked. And I still don't buy the principle, how they go straight up...
FERGUSON: I know.
KING: ... and stand still, almost.
FERGUSON: You have to -- how you learn to hover is the most extraordinary feeling. It's like sitting on top of a bull. How do you manage to hover an aircraft on top of a bull?
KING: And they make a lot of noise.
FERGUSON: Yes, they make an awful lot of noise. But the great thing is, is that it gives you the freedom. And you're in the sky as you're flying around, but it's -- I would never do it again on my own.
KING: How high can they go? If she's flying south to north, how -- what altitude...
FERGUSON: Well, she's got to be so careful because the weather conditions are...
KING: Yes.
FERGUSON: She's going to hit massive heat, so that it's going to be -- the hot air turbulence is going to be so extreme. And then she's going to go freezing cold. I mean, she's a very brave lady. It's good stuff, isn't it, Larry.
KING: Boy, it's going to be hard.
FERGUSON: It's on to the next thing, isn't it. KING: No one's ever -- no female has ever done this?
FERGUSON: No. And in December, it's the 100 years of the celebration of the Wright brothers, so she's going to be in the anniversary. And I think that more people should actually get out there and take the courage to make changes in their own life, you know?
KING: How do you keep up with yourself?
FERGUSON: I often wonder, when I'm walking along, whether I'll catch myself coming back the same way because I go at such speed. But you know, I really have a passion for life, Larry. I really enjoy it. And I -- do you know, I'm the happiest I've ever been right now.
KING: You look it.
FERGUSON: Thank you.
KING: Where are the -- your charity was in the World Trade Center. Where are they now?
FERGUSON: Well, Michael Bloomberg very kindly has given us offices, not that he probably had any choice. I just went up there and hit him over the head and said, Give us an office, Michael. And he's been...
KING: In one of his buildings?
FERGUSON: Yes. He's been very kind, actually. And it's going from strength to strength. I mean, I'm very excited. We work now in East Timor, in Sierra Leone. I've been there myself. I'm off to Afghanistan in February or March next year. I want to do more for the children's education in Iraq. I know...
KING: I was going to ask about Iraq.
FERGUSON: Yes. There's a lot of -- a lot of your congresswomen have just come back there, Kay Granger (ph) being a friend of mine. And I asked her to give me a report on what we can do.
KING: The incredible Sarah Ferguson. The duchess of York. We're going to take a break. The book is "Little Red." There you see it. With the great illustrator, by the way, Sam Williams.
FERGUSON: Thank you.
KING: And you can get Little Red dolls available November 17 in gift, specialty and book stores nationwide. Proceeds go to her charities. We'll be back with your phone calls. Barbara Bush tomorrow night. Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: We're back with the duchess of York.
We're going to go to your phone calls. Canyon Lake, California, hello.
CALLER: Yes.
Sarah, this is a pleasure speaking to you, for one. And in the past, I've heard you mention ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. And I wanted to know what your connection was with it, because I lost my mother to that.
FERGUSON: Yes, it was nice to talk to you.
Lou Gehrig's Disease, it's just -- it's just terrible. I would hate to get it because I talk too much, and I just know -- I just can't imagine what it must be like to suffocate in your own body. So I'm determined to help researchers find a cure for it, because we've just got to raise the awareness.
KING: Didn't affect your family though.
FERGUSON: No, not at all.
KING: Your father just died, though, right, didn't he?
FERGUSON: Yes, Larry. He died of prostate cancer and melanoma.
KING: How old?
FERGUSON: He was 71. But he always loved you. He always -- first time he will never be watching, you know? He always loved me being on here because he liked to stay up until two to watch you.
KING: Dallas, Texas, hello.
CALLER: Yes. Hi, Larry.
KING: Yes.
CALLER: Such a pleasure to talk to you and to speak with Sarah. I've admired for so very long. I don't know. She's such a wonderful, devoted mother. I would like to ask what her legacy would be that she would like to import to her children.
FERGUSON: Oh, that was a nice question. I think the legacy I would like to give them is the sense of security and compassion and to know that they are deeply loved and hugged, you know? Because I think so many children nowadays -- it's just so simple. God's given us legs to walk and eyes to see, but arms to hug. And I think we should hug more. And it's just -- and I think that's what my children do.
KING: Sydney, Nova Scotia, hello.
CALLER: Hi, Sarah?
FERGUSON: Hello there.
CALLER: Hi, how are you?
FERGUSON: I'm fine.
CALLER: I'd like to praise you for everything you've done through your ups and downs, and also I'd like to know how the -- Lady Di's two boys are doing.
FERGUSON: Well, thank you very much for asking. They're doing very, very well, I think. I mean, one's away in Australia. Harry's away in Australia. And William is shining, you know? He's growing up to be a fine, fine example of his mother's goodness.
KING: Do they know your daughter's well?
FERGUSON: Yes. Well, they spend lot of time together at the holiday -- the holiday seasons. And they get together.
But, you know -- do remember, my girls 13 and 15. They're still shrimps, aren't they?
KING: Yes.
FERGUSON: For boys like that, they're still sort of young little girls.
KING: Are you the in or the out? I mean, your daughters are in the family, right?
FERGUSON: Yes.
KING: So they would be part of the royal entourage.
FERGUSON: Absolutely, yes.
KING: What -- what are you? Are you the out or the in? Where is Sarah?
FERGUSON: I'm out.
KING: You're out.
FERGUSON: I'm out, yes. But you know what? I am very proud to be out because -- because I feel that I'm OK and my girls are holding the fort for me. And I've done a good job. And I'm proud to be-- to be a good mum.
KING: you also call yourself a closet American.
FERGUSON: I do, Larry. I do. How did you know that?
KING: You love America.
FERGUSON: I do. I love the fact that they embrace me. And I said I was sorry for whatever I had done in the United Kingdom and they embraced me and said, OK, we'll give you a second chance. And they have given me my life back. The American people...
KING: What had you done? Been wild, right? FERGUSON: Yes. I hadn't -- I hadn't realized the ramifications of my actions, you know? When -- somebody once gave me advice. He said, when you get out of bed in the morning, just remember that every single thing you do is going to be known by someone. So think of the consequences.
And you know, he was right.
KING: Well said.
West Springfield, Massachusetts, for Sarah Ferguson, hello.
CALLER: Hi.
Sarah, I think my comment has to do with your children because everybody has kind of commented on other things. I think you're an incredibly strong person, good role model for women, for your children. But you said you raised them to keep their feet on the ground. I wonder how you could maybe elaborate on that a little? And have you ever thought of trying to help other parents, because we may not have the same lifestyle that these children have, but we all are human beings and mothers and children are all the same underneath. I think it will be fascinating to understand, you know, learn what you've gone through as a parent.
FERGUSON: Well, you've said it beautifully yourself, so you obviously are very good and know exactly what you're talking about. So I herald you for that.
I would say for my children, from my point of view, the biggest thing I can give them is listen. Just listen. And so often they're going to come back from school and they go, Oh, you know, I kicked her in the shins or I don't like Charlotte or I don't like Selena or I don't like this person or whatever it might be.
But instead of just going on that and telling them to behave and have good manners, don't. Let them rant and rave. And then go to the bottom line and find out what it really is that they're really upset about by listening.
And never interrupt. Don't take a mobile telephone into the room. Sit there. And they might not speak to you. Just be there. Because that's what it's about. And that's what I do with my girls.
KING: During your wild days, were you still a good mother?
FERGUSON: I was -- I think the only thing I can safely say I have done well, Larry. Because what I did was exactly that.
When I went into the nursery -- I call it -- they have a little nursery. It's so sweet. And no grown-ups allowed in there. So I'm never a grown-up, Larry, as you know. So the minute I opened the door, I shut the door. And the minute I shut the door, I colored, I watched every kind of animation movie. I played games with them. Because actually, I wanted to lose myself into their games. I wanted to be a child. So therefore I didn't have to look at all the mess and the darkness that I had done.
KING: Tell them to see "Brother Bear."
FERGUSON: "Brother Bear"?
KING: Saw it today. Good movie.
FERGUSON: Really?
KING: Yes.
FERGUSON: Oh, good.
KING: New Disney movie.
FERGUSON: OK, yes. "Brother Bear."
KING: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Los Angeles, hello.
CALLER: Hello. Thank you for taking my call, Larry. Love your show.
KING: Thank you.
CALLER: Sarah, I'd like to ask, as the aunt of the future king of England, don't you feel an obligation to talk about Princess Diana and these issues that keep coming up, maybe help them work through them? Because they are in the media, they are seeing them, and so are children in the states as well. I'd like to see, you know, what your thoughts are on supporting them and...
KING: You are the aunt of a future king.
FERGUSON: I know. I have never heard that before.
KING: Neither have I.
FERGUSON: Oh, wow.
KING: OK. What do you say to it though?
FERGUSON: Well, I would say that, like any young person, it's up to them to want to ask for help. And it's up to them if they -- my door is always open, and if they want to come and have a chat, then great.
But, you know, I think the best thing to do is, we can help people and we can guide them, but we have no right to control anybody. And we must never flatter ourselves that we can do that.
KING: The royal life is not fun, is it?
FERGUSON: It can be great fun, Larry.
KING: It can? FERGUSON: Yes. Fantastic. I learned more about people and going places and having the confidence. I mean, think what I was like when I got married. I knew nothing. I was this wild, wild 25-year- old. And they tried to tame me. Anyway -- but I learned so much. I...
KING: But you rebelled.
FERGUSON: Yes, I suppose so, Larry. I don't know if it was rebel. I just made endless -- I bounced against walls, the boundaries of life. I kept bouncing against them. And was I going wake up?
KING: Port Richey, Florida, hello.
CALLER: Yes, hi. Good evening, Larry.
KING: Hi.
CALLER: Nice talking to you.
KING: Thank you.
CALLER: And Sarah, my question, hun, is -- you're very charming and we love you here in the states. How long did you know Princess Diana?
FERGUSON: I knew Diana from when I was 14 years old. And...
KING: How old was she?
FERGUSON: She was 13. Yes -- no, I was 15, she was 13. And -- same age as my children are now. And our mothers were both at school together and we're sort of...
KING: Oh really?
FERGUSON: ...fourth cousins or something like that.
KING: Oh really?
FERGUSON: Which is quite extraordinary, really, isn't it?
KING: Did you get married before her?
FERGUSON: No, she got married before me. And I went to her wedding and it was just an amazing day.
KING: She went to yours?
FERGUSON: Yes, she did. Yes, she did. Funny that.
KING: So you hit it off when you were very young?
FERGUSON: Yes, we loved each other from a very early age,
KING: What was she like as a teen? FERGUSON: Just that same sense of humor as she always had.
KING: Funny girl?
FERGUSON: Oh, she was very funny. She had the quickest wit of anyone I know, Larry.
KING: Yes. Only met her once.
FERGUSON: Yes.
KING: And she said Lawrence of the telly.
FERGUSON: That's right.
KING: Sir Lawrence of the telly.
Tampa, Florida, hello.
CALLER: Yes, Larry. My question for Sarah Ferguson is regarding, Would you ever consider combining Weight Watchers in your children's books to perhaps teach adults and children about the problems of obesity and overweight and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the health risks that combine with that?
KING: Good question. One of the major problems, youth overweight.
FERGUSON: Do you know what Weight Watchers and I are in big discussions about this major subject because they are really addressing it because they -- they believe that it's very important, that if we educate the adults, the teachers, that that will trickle down to the children, because this is one in four child is overweight, obese. I couldn't agree more.
Weight Watchers and I are hoping to bring out some children's recipe books and some other children's books in order to help children realize that -- the effects of healthy eating. And we must -- that's what we've got to do next. So, yes, that's a very good point, and we are addressing it very seriously.
KING: Caller was right on the money.
FERGUSON: Yes.
KING: Indianapolis, hello.
CALLER: Hi, Larry and Sarah.
First of all, Sarah, I would like to commend you on your efforts on behalf of Little Red and Weight Watchers.
And then, I have two questions.
One has to do with Diana. Approximately a month before her death, I recall seeing her on a yacht with Dodi and she approached the media and asked them to -- you know, if they would leave her alone she would have a big announcement in the next few weeks. And then she passed away in that period of time and nothing has ever been said about that. So I wonder if you recall that incident.
And the second question was, how do you, or do you date?
FERGUSON: In answer to your first question, no, I don't recall that incident. But there were many, many occasion that she asked the press to leave her alone. Many, many, many occasions. I mean, countless occasions. Every day of her life. So, you know, did they listen? No. Why? Because she sold so many newspapers. So it was going to be a never ending battle for her, you know? It's just very difficult.
The second thing, do I date? No, I don't date.
KING: Why not?
FERGUSON: Well, I don't know, because no one's asked me.
KING: People don't ask you out. Now do you think it's because -- now it can't be -- obviously you're an attractive woman and bright.
FERGUSON: Oh, thank you.
KING: Do you think you might intimidate people?
FERGUSON: Yes. No question about it, Larry. I mean, you know -- I mean to spend an hour with you on this show, you got to be quite -- you got to be ready, you know? You got to be ready for Larry King.
KING: So the average guy might not -- might not -- little apprehensive about approaching you?
FERGUSON: Well, I think so. Well, A, he's going to have the world's press.
(CROSSTALK)
FERGUSON: Well, I mean, imagine if he all he does is walk down the street with me. He's going to have to have his side of the street very clean, you know? No past, has he? Because he's going to be on the front page of every newspaper. So it's kind of difficult. I think I am very intimidated.
KING: So, if you went with someone tomorrow, that would be in the press on Friday?
FERGUSON: Yes. On Friday. If, if some nice person had called the press and was a photographer waiting outside.
KING: Which would probably happen. Someone in the restaurant would call.
FERGUSON: One of the waiters for a quick 50 bucks, whatever it might be.
Do you know what, Larry? I'd like to go back to that nice gentleman who asked about childhood obesity and Weight Watchers. That is one of the points I wanted to make. When we have our children, we feed them milk and vegetables and healthy foods and give them a well- balanced diet. Why then, why then, would we harm ourselves to do these low carb diets later on when we try and keep our children with eating well-balanced food.
KING: We also give our children french fries?
FERGUSON: We do. Absolutely right.
KING: And cookies.
FERGUSON: But that's why, thanks to you we can get the word out. Don't do low carb diets because it doesn't work. Because why would we practice to our children, we give them french fries but we also try, hopefully, to give them milk, whole grain bread and vegetables.
KING: You're not saying overcarb?
FERGUSON: No. Not at all.
KING: It's a balance, right?
FERGUSON: Balance is life, you know, I've learned that. And everywhere you go it's the same old problem when we had that thing about eat fat, everything was low fat. Then everyone binged on low fat, because they thought they could. But it has so many calories in it, so they put on weight. It's the same thing. You can't say low carbs and everyone's going to cut out carbs. And there's going to be major health care problems.
KING: Back with more calls from Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. Book is "Little Red." The doll will be available starting November 17th everywhere. The book available now. Barbara Bush tomorrow night. More calls after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: We're back.
"Hello" magazine said you bought a new house. Did you?
FERGUSON: Yes, I did. It's very exciting, three bedroom, great (UNINTELLIGIBLE) cottage. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Guilford (ph) is pretty nice.
KING: Ner (ph) Guildford.
FERGUSON: Yes. You said it in a very British way.
KING: Where is Guildford.
FERGUSON: It's an hour from London south. KING: South.
Hollywood, California, hello.
CALLER: Hi, Larry. Hi, Sarah. You look great today, by the way, Sarah. And thanks for everything today. And I have a question.
Can you please tell us about your role as Kodak spokeswoman?
KING: Kodak what are doing with Kodak.
FERGUSON: Well, you know, it's very exciting because this new film they've got. And I was using it. So they came to me said we know you use the new high definition film. Please can you come and tell people to take photographs.
KING: Boy, you walk into it, don't you? You go into a store, you buy something, you represent them.
So what is special about the high speed?
FERGUSON: High definition, because I used to take blurry photographs with a grainy look. And now this new film is fantastic.
KING: You mean, lousy photographers.
FERGUSON: Even lousy photographers. And I bought a photography book out. I suppose I know when I'm not -- when I used to eat only eat I never had a past-time, hobby. Now I take photographs instead of eating so much and that's why it's very exciting.
KING: Mandeville, Louisiana, hello.
CALLER: Hello. I'd like to ask Sarah if she has a friendly relationship with Sophie, Edward's wife. And also Sophie has tried in my opinion to emulate Diana. And why do you think that the press doesn't really seem to take a lot of interest in Sophie?
FERGUSON: I don't know. I think there was an awful lot of interest in Sophie. And I think they are very excited that she's going to be having a baby in December I think, any minute now. So, I think they left her alone a bit, just to -- you know, a pregnancy, which is very exciting, because before that, she had that terrible eptopic pregnancy and she needs the support now.
KING: Do you like her?
FERGUSON: Do I like her? Yes she is a very good person. She really is.
KING: By the way, we've shown pictures of your daughters. You've taken a lot of those pictures we've have been showing.
FERGUSON: That's it. That's the film. That's with the Kodak film.
KING: It is?
FERGUSON: Yes.
KING: We got little red in there, too. Six promotions at once.
Chicago, hello.
CALLER: Hi, Sarah. I have been watching you grow and develop into your public role. And you've been a wonderful example of how to over come adversity and thrive, and really make a difference. It's been a pleasure watching you and learning from you over the years.
KING: Nice to say.
CALLER: Real quick question. I was wondering if you had any words of advice for Mary Donaldson, who is recently engaged to the crown prince of Denmark? Like you, she's lived on her own and had a career and sort of an independent woman.
Do you have any advice when she assumes her royal role?
FERGUSON: The important advice I would ever give anyone is to say remain yourself. You have to be true to what you believe. Because then when the problems come or the obstacles come, you've got a very strong foundation. Like any good house, if you can keep a strong foundation, then the winds won't blow it down.
KING: What will be the roughest thing she'll face?
FERGUSON: I don't know the kind of person she is, but I hope when the people might say some jibes or the press might turn or always when you're leading up to a wedding, it's the honeymoon period, you believe everybody loves you. Suddenly you believe everybody loves you, then it turns after a couple of months. That's when it's difficult.
KING: Do you admire Queen Nora?
FERGUSON: Yes, great lady.
KING: Hamilton, Ohio.
CALLER: Hello. I'm proud of you, Sarah.
KING: They love you, Sarah.
CALLER: As they say, you've come a long way, baby. Being a silly girl once myself and now being 55, do you think you see things differently through all your trials and tribulations, or maturity, or because possibly you're outside the royal family?
Keep up the good work, Sarah.
KING: Good questions.
FERGUSON: Firstly thank you for a very nice compliment. And what did you call me one of those babes? What -- it was great. Anyway.
KING: You've come a long way baby. A cigarette company in the United States.
(CROSSTALK)
FERGUSON: OK. OK. Thank you. I have forgotten the question now, Larry. About trials and tribulations -- I think that it took me a long time and took a lot of soul searching to find out why I made the so-called mistakes or why I hadn't jumped the obstacles correctly. And looking back now, I'm glad I did because now I'm sitting here and I can answer your question with great honesty. I feel it's exciting the road ahead because I have the tools inside of myself now to be able to manage them.
KING: Pleasanton, California, hello.
CALLER: Good evening, Sarah and Larry.
My question, is do you ever take the girls with you when you're traveling, and if you don't, who do they stay with?
FERGUSON: Well, firstly sometimes they come with me when I'm traveling. But I never bring them with me when I'm representing a company because I felt like it wouldn't be right. That they -- or I might be accused of commercializing them as well as myself.
KING: Who takes care of them when you are away?
FERGUSON: They are at boarding school now, Larry. Eugenie is now 13, Beatrice 15. And they go to boarding school. Very good. It was their choice that they wanted to go to boarding school..
KING: Winnipeg, Manitoba, hello.
CALLER: Hi. Larry. Good evening, Sarah. I'd like to know, Sarah, if you have a good relationship with the queen now?
KING: Do you have any relationship with the queen now?
FERGUSON: Her majesty is one of the finest grandmothers I know for my children, and a great, great lady. In fact, I was asked the other day who was one of the finest icons that I look up to, and it would have to be her majesty.
KING: Well said. We'll be back with our remaining moments with Sarah Ferguson, the duchess of York. The book is "Little Red." Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: By the way, we should say "Little Red" is very good for boys, too. What is it like when children come up and know you're a princess, royalty? How do they react to you? How do you react to them when you sign books? FERGUSON: They wish, the Children's Day that I signed in Los Angeles. Today, I was signing books and in that great place, I can't remember it. But what happened was they came up and they thought that I should have a crown on.
KING: Oh, Storyopolis.
FERGUSON: Storyopolis.
KING: How does our producer know that? OK.
FERGUSON: I know. Storyopolis is great. It's a wonderful store. And we signed 80 books to all these children. And the most amazing thing was, they wished I was in a carriage. You know, and they expected me to arrive with instead of mice, with white horses. You know.
KING: Girls and boys?
FERGUSON: Yes, yes.
KING: Lakeland, Florida, hello.
CALLER: Hi. Hi, Sarah. You look great. Have you ever thought about having your own line of clothing?
KING: This will be next. This is coming tomorrow. OK. Who's watching? Sign her up.
FERGUSON: Yes, well, firstly, after Larry said do radio and then TV, I hope to do that. And then of course comes the clothing. But I want to do fitness clothing, because I'm a great believer in running and healthy life. If you got to run, take -- go get on a bike, take some exercise. It's not just about good food. It's about fitness.
KING: Hello, Nike. Yeah, OK. She'll be there tomorrow. OK. Glencoe, Alabama. Hello.
CALLER: Yes. This is -- hi, Larry.
KING: Hi.
CALLER: I'd like to talk to Lady Sarah, please. I'm calling about Weight Watchers. I have had two back surgeries. I am limited to what I can do. I'm on a lot of pain medication and I have had a lot of steroid injections. I just recently had one about a month or so, and, of course, steroids make you gain weight, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) medicine makes you gain weight. And I have, like I said, been on so many diets. And I cannot get the weight off. Would Weight Watchers help me?
FERGUSON: You know, the first place you need to go to is Weight Watchers, because you can go down to a local Weight Watchers place and they will give you the support. Because at the moment what you need is a big hug and lots of support to help you get on the path. And that's the secret of Weight Watchers, and then they'll educate you and they will be there for you. Because you've been through an awful lot and you need a good hug and lot of support. And they're the people.
KING: Portland, Oregon, hello.
CALLER: Hi, Larry.
KING: Hi.
CALLER: Hi, Sarah. It's wonderful to talk to you. I can't believe how hard you work. And I guess I first just want to thank you for all the great work you do and the wonderful example you set for all of us. But especially for being the voice of reason and positivity when people ask you about Diana. Your loyalty to her is really heartwarming. And I know how hard it must be...
KING: I appreciate it. We're running close on time. What's your question?
CALLER: I understand that. My question is, my understanding is you and Andrew are still very close and co-parenting the girls. Are you still living under the same roof these days?
FERGUSON: No, we don't live under the same roof, but I so believe in family unity. I believe in communication. And I think more people should sit down as a family around the table.
KING: Andrew has a girlfriend now, right?
FERGUSON: Yes. He does. I think he's -- yes, he does.
KING: Serious? Do you know her?
FERGUSON: I know her very well, and she's a very nice lady.
KING: Last call, quickly, Las Vegas. Hello.
CALLER: Hi. Hi, Larry. Hi, Sarah.
KING: Hi.
CALLER: I want to say that we did meet you years ago. You were at a book signing, and you were gracious to my son. We have a mutual friend, Ian Jackman (ph). He's a terrific guy and one of your loyal fans. But my question to you is, your daughters, what about their careers, will they have an opportunity to have one?
KING: Yes, what do they want to do? We're out of time, almost of time, what do they want to do?
FERGUSON: OK, what do they want to do. Firstly, I think -- I said, A, they don't know. Whatever they do, I will support them, but I think Beatrice will run the charity and I think Eugenie (ph) will either be a lawyer or an actress in Hollywood. Is that quick enough answer?
KING: And their mother will be appearing somewhere tomorrow for a fitness group that she's designed clothing for. The book is "Little Red" and the doll will be available out of -- Applause (ph) produced it. It will be available nationwide November 17, and I'll be back in a minute to tell you all about tomorrow night. Thanks for joining us, Sarah. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: We head for Houston tomorrow for a live interview tomorrow night with Barbara Bush. And then Thursday night, a tribute to Dean Martin.
Speaking of tributes, let's pay some tribute to a deserving man. The host of "NEWSNIGHT," each night he comes and applies his trade, and anchors us through the evening. A tribute to you, my friend. Aaron Brown is next.
