Duchess of York - the Timeline

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, is in hot water today after being caught on film accepting a $40,000 payment as part of an apparent cash-for-access deal to her former husband, the British trade envoy, Prince Andrew.

Here's a timeline of the major events in the Duchess' life:

October 15, 1959: born Sarah Margaret Ferguson to Major Ronald and Susan Mary Ferguson in Marylebone, London.

1972: her parents separate.

July 1986: marries Prince Andrew, Duke of York, at Westminster Abbey

August 1988: daughter Princess Beatrice of York is born, fifth in line to the throne.

1989: Her first children's book, Budgie the Little Helicopter, is published and is later turned into a television show.

March 1990: daughter Princess Eugenie of York is born, sixth in line to the throne.

January 1992: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson separate.

August 1992: compromising photos of Sarah Ferguson and American financial manager John Bryan (the "toe-sucking" pictures) are published in the Daily Mirror.

1993: founds the charity Children in Crisis.

1996: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson divorce.

Following her divorce, Sarah sets out to pay back her debts and establish a media career in the United States, commuting regularly from her home in London.

1997: becomes Weight Watchers spokesperson after being dubbed the 'the Duchess of Pork' by the British press.

January 1998: becomes Weight Watchers Lifetime Member.

2006: establishes The Sarah Ferguson Foundation.

May 23, 2010: News of the World releases video of the Duchess offering to 'sell' time with Prince Andrew to a "wealthy businessman."