Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, leaves King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on Jan. 24.Photo:News Licensing / MEGA
News Licensing / MEGA
Sarah Fergusonshared a brief health update during her first public outing after announcing herskin cancer diagnosis.
On Wednesday, the Duchess of York, 64, visited her doctor at King Edward VII’s Hospital in the Marylebone neighborhood of London, and she responded when well-wishers gathered outside asked how she was feeling after the appointment, theDaily Mirrorreported.
On Sunday, a representative for the Duchess of York announced that she wasrecently diagnosedwith skin cancer. She waspreviously diagnosed with an early form of breast cancerin June 2023.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, leaves King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on Jan. 24.News Licensing / MEGA
“The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was,” the representative added. “She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.”
The second cancer diagnosis in “a matter of months has obviously been a shock and a blow,” a friend of Fergie’s exclusively tells PEOPLE. But the Duchess is “very resilient and in good spirits,” the source adds.
“Her time in Austria helped her gather her strength,” the source says. “And her family is supporting her.”
On Monday,Prince Andrew’s ex-wife discussed the diagnosis on social media and urged followers to be “diligent” about monitoring their skin for any changes.
“I have beentaking some time to myselfas I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was,” Fergie began theInstagramcaption. The author andTea Talkspodcast host shared the message with a photo of herself standing on a bridge in a mountainous location.
“Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock, but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support,” she continued. “I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent.”
The Duchess of York thanked the medical teams who cared for her during both diagnoses and shouted out the MAYRLIFE Clinic for aiding in her recuperation.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham on Dec. 25, 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
“I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support,” she said.
A friendtells PEOPLEthat her “family is rallying ‘round,” especiallyPrincess BeatriceandPrincess Eugenie.
The Duchess of York and her two daughters are known to share a tight bond. In November, Fergieexclusively told PEOPLEthat Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33, were “my wholehearted cheerleaders, my devoted champions and my soulmates, and they have been as supportive as can be, as they always are” amid her breast cancer diagnosis.
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Fergie’s health news came nearly a week after the palace made announcements aboutKate Middleton’s successfulabdominal surgeryandKing Charles’ upcoming procedure for anenlarged prostate. Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace shared the news in separate statements issued in quick succession on Jan. 17.
The next day,Prince Williamvisited Princess KateatThe London Clinic(also in Marylebone) where Kensington Palace said she was expected to stay for 10 to 14 days after surgery, andQueen Camillagave an updateon how King Charles was doing.
“He’s fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work,” Queen Camilla said during a stop in Scotland after someone asked how the King was. Buckingham Palace said that the King, 75, would have a “corrective procedure” at the hospital this week and that his condition is benign.
It’s understood that King Charles wanted to share his diagnosis to encourage men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked. Charles will be capable of fulfilling his constitutional requirements and duties during this time, a royal source tells PEOPLE.
In contrast, Princess Kate has been more private. Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that her “planned abdominal surgery” the day prior was a success and that she was “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter”
“It does sound serious with the length of time [she’s taking]. But she is in great hands and will have lots of care and support at home and is a fit young woman,” a source close to the royal householdtells PEOPLEexclusively in this week’s issue. “I am sure she will bounce back.”
source: people.com
