17. Pan of Duchess of York with Weight Watchers slimmers, zoom in and out on Duchess of York

8. Medium shot of Weight Watcher's 'success story' Kathy Zajackowski, with old "before " picture of Zajackowski in back

English/Nat

Britain's Duchess of York, "Fergie" made her debut on Wednesday as a highly paid spokeswoman for the slimming company, Weight Watchers.

According to Weight Watchers officials, the Duchess of York - at one time labelled "the Duchess of Pork" by the media - has lost 40 pounds with the programme.

The Duchess spoke to reporters in Manhattan about her new job, and about her own weight problems.

The diet company Weight Watchers international has a new spokesperson, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.

"Fergie", as she is known, spoke to the media at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan.

She was introduced by the President of Weight Watchers Les Parducci.

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"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome the new spokesperson for Weight Watchers International, in the United States, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York."

The former wife of Britain's Prince Andrew, Sarah talked about how her own weight problems had been constantly monitored by the press.

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"The media once dubbed me 'Great Fun Fergie - she was the breath of fresh air' and then it was just 'round' and then just 'Fat Fergie' which gave way to 'Fat and Appalling Fergie' and ultimately my favourite and the best one of all, whoever thought it up, 'Fergie, the Duchess of Pork'. You're right, I can stand up here and laugh, but boy did it hurt."

SUPER CAPTION: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York

The Duchess, who has herself used the Weight Watchers programme on and off in the past, has a one year contract with Weight Watchers to act as their U-S spokesperson.

She said her duties will include travelling to various Weight Watchers meetings around the States.

The Duchess also answered questions about whether her job as a spokesperson would be over if she gained weight.

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"Well, firstly I think you're great to say I'm skinny - are you saying I'm skinny? Thank you very much, I'm really pleased with that, I like that, no one's ever called me that. The thing is, obviously, if you do anything from your heart and you do it honestly and with passion and with integrity then I would not be right if I then gained weight and stood up here saying Weight Watchers programme worked, because it wouldn't be right."

SUPER CAPTION: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York

The Duchess has been in great demand lately as a front for companies.

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"The Duchess of York is a royal, and she's one of the most down-to-earth people I've ever met, so she has great appeal. She tells the truth about her life and what's important to her and I think people can really relate to that."

SUPER CAPTION: Linda Webb-Carilli, Weight Watchers spokeswoman

Recently, Fergie has been plagued by debt, but she says the time is right to look ahead, not past.

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"You've just got to get on, you know. I've got two lovely children, you've got to get on and work, you've got to be the working mum and I've got a weight problem and I've got to keep control of my life - so it's all part and parcel of the same thing and I'm delighted that I'm able to be standing here in 1997 and going forward."

SUPER CAPTION: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York

The Duchess has stipulated that she only appear with Weight Watchers in the U-S, and not in her native England.