Sarah Ferguson shares touching message to Princess Kate saying she’s ‘full of admiration’ for her after cancer diagnosis
Sarah, Duchess of York, who is also battling the disease, today sent the Princess her support following the news.
FERGIE says she is “full of admiration” for the Princess of Wales following her public cancer revelation.
On Friday, Kate announced she was undergoing “preventative chemotherapy”.
It came as doctors found cancer in follow up tests after her “major” abdominal surgery in January.
The Duchess of York, who is battling breast and skin cancer, said Kate’s announcement will do a “tremendous amount of good to raise awareness”.
In a statement on Instagram, the 64-year-old said: “All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment.
“I know she will be surrounded by the love of her family and everyone is praying for the best outcome.
“As someone who has faced their own battles with cancer in recent months, I am full of admiration for the way she has spoken publicly about her diagnosis and know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness.
“I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal.”
Kate revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer in an unprecedented video released last week.
The mum-of-three said the news “came as a huge shock” to her family.
She added how her and husband Prince William did “everything we can” to allow their kids Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, eight; and Prince Louis, five, to process the news.
The 42-year-old stressed “I am well” explaining her chemo was preventative but stressed she will be unable to complete royal duties while she undergoes treatment.
In January, Fergie revealed she had been diagnosed with skin cancer after doctors found a malignant melanoma.
It came months after she underwent treatment for breast cancer in May 2023.
Medics found the disease, which kills around 11,500 women a year in the UK, following a routine mammogram.
Following her skin cancer diagnosis, a spokesperson said: “Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
“Her dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analysed at the same time as the Duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages.
“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the Duchess remains in good spirits.
“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.
“She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.”
Earlier this month, the Duchess of York said her skin cancer had stopped spreading following surgery.
A pal said: “It looks like there has been no spread of the disease and the prognosis is good, but she’ll have to have regular check-ups going forward.”
Kate's cancer revelation in full
Speaking about the heartbreaking diagnosis, Princess Kate said: “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, personally, for all the understanding whilst I’ve been recovering from surgery.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I have had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
“In January I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time it was thought my condition was non-cancerous.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
“This of course came as a huge shock. William and I have been doing everything we can to process this privately for the sake of our young family.
“As you can imagine this has taken time. It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“Most importantly it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.
“As I have said to them, I am well and I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind body and spirit.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too, as is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
“We hope that you will understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service at last minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
MARCH 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
MARCH 11: Kate admits she edited the photo and is snapped in the car with William
MARCH 16: Royal fans spot the princess at a farm shop near Windsor
MARCH 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
MARCH 18: The Sun exclusively published the video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MARCH 22: Kate releases video revealing her cancer diagnosis.