Prince Andrew pictured for first time after Sarah Ferguson reveals breast cancer op as he supports her at Royal Lodge

PRINCE Andrew has been seen for the first time since Sarah Ferguson revealed she had undergone a breast cancer operation.

The Duke of York, 63, was seen wearing shades behind the wheel of a car as he drove around Windsor earlier today.

He was then spotted out and about on a horse near his home.

Andrew is currently supporting the Duchess, 63, as she recovers at their home.

Fergie was handed the devastating news after a recent routine mammogram only a couple of weeks ago.

She has since undergone a “successful” operation and is now recovering.

Fergie took to her Twitter page just after midday today to thank her supporters for their kind messages of support.

Posting an image of a bright pink flower she wrote: "Thank you so much for such kindness and support."

Fans of the Duchess rushed to add their own comment with the feelings of many summed up by one Twitter user who wrote: "Sending prayers & positivity for a speedy recovery…blessings always."

Another added: "Wishing you a speedy recovery and long term healthy outcomes!"

While a third said: "Wishing you a speedy recovery. Sending you lots of love and light."

The Duchess, known as 'Fergie' was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London, on Tuesday.

It is believed she needed a major operation and was only discharged Sunday morning after six days of medical care.

One pal revealed that Fergie has been told that the "prognosis is good" thanks to the "early detection".

A friend said: "It's been a difficult time but she is very grateful to the medical staff who carried out the mammogram and detected it early and the medical staff who looked after her these last few days, she is incredibly thankful."

She is said to be back home at Royal Lodge recuperating with her family, including Prince Andrew, 63, daughters Beatrice, 34, and Eugenie, 33, and three grandchildren.

Fergie had told close family and friends the diagnosis but wanted her cancer to be kept private until she was released from hospital.

A spokesman for the Duchess said: "Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening.

"She was advised she needed to undergo surgery which has taken place successfully.

"The Duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good. She is now recuperating with her family.

"The Duchess wants to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days.

"She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening."

Ex-husband Prince Andrew has not been seen in public this week and attended only the private aspects of the Order of the Garter Day ceremony last Monday.

Her eldest daughter Princess Beatrice attended Royal Ascot on Tuesday and Friday with husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi.

Andy and Fergie, who divorced in 1996 but have lived together since 2008, have been threatened with eviction from their 31-room mansion on the Windsor estate.

In January this year, The Sun revealed the prince was to make a bid to overturn the multi-million pound settlement with his sex accuser Virginia Giuffre.

He settled with her out of court after she sued him in the States.

Sources claim he never wanted to settle with the victim of his paedophile tycoon pal Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew believes he was “bounced” into agreeing a deal as the Palace feared negative publicity of the case would have overshadowed the Queen’s Jubilee.

He paid Virginia, 39, at least £3million in February last year to drop her case, in which she claimed she was forced to have sex with him at 17.