Sarah Ferguson has released a statement in support of Kate Middleton amid her cancer diagnosis.
“All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment,” Fergie, 64, wrote in an Instagram post on Monday. “I know she will be surrounded by the love of her family and everyone is praying for the best outcome.”
The Duchess of York, who revealed her skin cancer diagnosis in January after battling breast cancer last year, added, “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.”
She was married to disgraced Prince Andrew, 64, from 1986 to 1996, but has remained a regular fixture at royal family events. The exes have daughters Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 34.
Earlier this month, Fergie reportedly received good news that her skin cancer has not spread.
“Fortunately, they have turned out to be clear. This is the best news she could have on it at this stage,” a friend of the royal told People magazine, adding that Fergie has checkups every 12 weeks.
“She is very relieved,” the source added.
Middleton, however, revealed Friday in a video announcement that she was diagnosed with cancer after a planned abdominal surgery in January and is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to
process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” the mother of three, 42, said in the video, insisting she is “well and getting stronger every day.”
“But, 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 OK.”
The couple waited to publicly share her diagnosis until their children — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — were on Easter break.
She also described her husband, Prince William, 41, as a “great source of comfort and reassurance” in the Friday statement.
William’s father, King Charles III, 75, is also fighting his own cancer battle, which Buckingham Palace announced in February.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the palace said in a statement at the time. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
“Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” the palace added.
British royal insider Sally Bedell Smith recently told People that Middleton and Charles had a private lunch the day before she released her diagnosis video.
Kate and William, meanwhile, have since traveled to Sandringham estate with their children ahead of the Easter holiday.
