Fergie's Britney support

Oct 26, 2007, 12:30 GMT

09/09/2007 - Sarah Ferguson - © Solarpix / PR Photos

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has offered her help to troubled pop star Britney Spears.

Sarah reached out to the 'Gimme More' singer - who recently lost custody of her sons Sean Preston, two, and 14-month-old Jayden James to ex-husband Kevin Federline - and suggested they sit down together to try and "find a solution" to her problems.

Speaking on US TV show 'In The Loop With iVillage', she said: "I would love to talk to Britney, because I just want to help her.

"I really feel sorry for her. She's had a bad time and I really want to reach out to her, and I'm going to do that today.

"I'd tell her, 'It's OK. Don't let yesterday or tomorrow rob you of the present. It's OK right now, now let's find a solution. Let's build together and work together.' "

The duchess - the former wife of Britain's Prince Andrew - became so emotional as she spoke that at one point she stopped talking and told the interviewer: "Sorry, I suddenly thought you were Britney then!"

Sarah also revealed she advises her daughters Princesses Beatrice, 19, and Eugenie, 17, to stay grounded and remember how blessed they are.

She said: "I say to them, 'Never forget when you get out the car, people in the world aren't so lucky - they want to see you smile. They don't want to see you running away, hiding. No. Stand up, smile, and just go on with your day.' "

(C) BANG Media International