Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma after the removal of a cancerous mole during her treatment for breast cancer. The news comes as the third royal medical procedure announcement this week.
According to her spokesman, the Duchess had multiple moles removed and analyzed during reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. Despite the distressing news, she remains in good spirits and is undergoing further investigations to ensure early detection and treatment.
The Duchess expressed gratitude to her medical team, particularly her vigilant dermatologist, for detecting the illness. She emphasized the importance of monitoring moles for signs of melanoma, highlighting the significance of checking size, shape, color, texture, and the emergence of new moles.
Last June, the 64-year-old Duchess confirmed her breast cancer diagnosis following a routine mammogram screening. She subsequently underwent a single mastectomy at King Edward VII hospital in London, a private clinic used by senior royals.
Married to the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, for 10 years before their divorce in 1996, the Duchess and the Prince continue to share a home at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. They have two daughters, Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33, as well as three grandchildren.
Recently, the Duchess attended a Christmas Day church service in Sandringham with other senior members of the Royal Family. However, she has not joined the family for the Christmas morning church service for over 30 years.
In other royal health news, it was announced that the Princess of Wales would remain in the hospital for up to two weeks after planned surgery, while the King is set to undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate. Additionally, Kensington Palace confirmed that Catherine would stay in the hospital for up to two weeks after undergoing abdominal surgery, with an expected extended absence from royal duties.
