Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York is a guest on ‘The View’ on March 3, 2023.Photo:Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty
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Sarah Fergusonis speaking out onKate Middleton’s emotional video message announcing she had completed chemotherapy.
In an Oct. 10 interview onThis Morning, Ferguson, 64, called the Princess of Wales’ Sept. 9 video alongside husbandPrince Williamand kidsPrince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6, “just incredible. I mean, I was so moved. It was beautiful.”
When asked how Kate, 42, is doing now, Ferguson added, “She’s showing the world what it really is to look after yourself and self-love in order to help others, and I think that’s extraordinary, what she did.”
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, at Wimbledon on July 14, 2024.Getty Images
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The Duchess of York herself battled cancer this year before her eldest daughterPrincess Beatrice— who is currentlyexpecting her second child! — announced in May that her mother was “all clear.”
Earlier this year, in an unprecedented year of royal health news,King Charlesalso announcedhe had been diagnosed with cancer, which Ferguson also mentioned during herThis Morninginterview.
“I loved when the King went to Cancer Research U.K. and actually sat on the sofa, and it’s coming from a place of empathy because he does understand,” Ferguson said. “That was the first time yesterday when I was sitting there with someone, it’s not just, ‘I understand’ and patronizing. It was, ‘I know,’ and so, I think, to be able to talk about it is real, and I think we have to.”
Ferguson, affectionately known as Fergie, has been treated for two forms of cancer, undergoing a single mastectomy for breast cancer in 2023. In 2024, she announced she’d been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York in conversation with Samantha Barry at The 92nd Street Y New York on March 6, 2023 in New York City.Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
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Speaking about her own mammogram after which she received her diagnosis, Ferguson said it was “the drive that saved my life,” adding, “And that’s what I wanted to say. If anyone’s watching this, sitting at the end of the bed going, ‘No, I can’t possibly — it might be bad news.’ No, it’s not bad news. Go anyway, because there is a solution even if it is really frightening, because there will be solutions.”
Fergie revealed in an interview withThe Sunthat she believed her cancer diagnosis was a “death sentence” and that her routine mammogram saved her life.
“How do you describe being a grandmother?” Ferguson said. “It is one of the most precious, joyful, exciting moments because you’re so proud of your own children, and they’ve done such a good job.”
She continued, “It really is the most extraordinary thing to be a grandmother.”
Princess Beatrice of York, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Princess Eugenie of York attend The Anti Slavery Collective’s inaugural Winter Gala at Battersea Arts Centre on Nov. 29, 2023 in London, England.Dave Benett/Getty
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Of her health, the Duchess of York added, “It has been a difficult period, and I’m not out of the woods. I underwent a single mastectomy and a breast reconstruction operation, while my malignant melanoma and surrounding area was removed and other moles checked for cancer. With the love and support of my family, especially my girls Beatrice and Eugenie, I have stayed positive and been informed that my outlook is good.”
Ferguson is now committed to helping others, announcing on Oct. 9 that she is theproud new patronof the U.K.’s only charity solely focused on predicting and preventing breast cancer,Prevent Breast Cancer.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, attends the Global Citizen Prize event at Spring Studios on May 1, 2024 in New York City.Rob Kim/Getty Images
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Speaking to PEOPLE during the launch of the newYouth Impact Councilat New York Climate Week on Sept. 25, Fergie shared how she is feeling today.
“I think that you never really get rid of the worry about health. For every sort of melanoma, you never really know where it is. You look at everything and you’re certainly more aware,” she said. “It’s been an extraordinary journey to have gone through a mastectomy, and then you have to keep having checks, and then you think you’re going to get it again. It’s a lot of very fragile mind work.”
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“I think that also gives me empathy to understand the fragility of the mind. A lot of young people have fragile, vulnerable times, with cyberbullying and chronic cruelty from other people. I think that’s something I address, I am adamant about cruelty through social media,” Ferguson continued. “My health is really good now, but you have to be a bit more cognitive and not push yourself too much, which I do.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with members of the Emergency Services during a visit to Southport Community Centre on Oct. 10, 2024 in Southport, England.Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty
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AfterPrincess Kate announced on Sept. 9she had completed chemotherapy nearly six months after announcing her cancer diagnosis in another video message on March 22, she madeher first public royal engagementon Oct. 10 alongside Prince William, visiting Southport, England, where three children were killed in a July 29 mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class.
source: people.com