- Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson gave some insight into her life after getting surgery for breast cancer.
- The Duchess recuperated at her UK home with the help of the late Queen’s closest canines.
Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson revealed in June 2023 that she was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram check-up. During episode 4 of her “Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah” podcast that month, her co-host, Sarah Thomson, updated fans on her friend’s health.
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, at The British American Business Council Los Angeles 54th Annual Christmas Luncheon on December 13, 2013, in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images
Thomson revealed that the royal had undergone surgery for breast cancer. She shared how such a considerable diagnosis impacted all of them but said the Duchess of York managed to stay strong throughout it all.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York at the Artists for Peace and Justice & Bovet 1822 Gala on December 7, 2018, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Source: Getty Images
The Duchess’ co-host revealed that the episode had been recorded the day before her friend went in for surgery. However, being the person Ferguson is, she wanted the episode released to encourage and build awareness about how vital it is to do screening and self-checking to prevent breast cancer.
Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson at “Engaging Philanthropy” to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment at the United Nations on February 22, 2010, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The royal underwent a mastectomy, and after her surgery, she released a new video. Ferguson continued her “Storytime with Fergie and Friends” on social media clips she started in April 2020 by reading Eva Eland’s “Where Happiness Begins.”
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Princess Eugenie at The Miles Frost Fund party on June 27, 2017, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The picture book touched on relevant topics, as it spoke about finding happiness during difficult times. The 64-year-old later gave an update on her health during episode 9 of her show. Talking about how important it was to find balance in life, the royal said:
“My balance in life is to literally focus on joy.”
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, at the British Heart Foundation’s “Bias And Biology” panel on June 25, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Thomson’s co-host also mentioned that being able to be with her and their listeners made her happy, and she wanted everyone to be happy. Giving more insight into her life at the moment, Ferguson revealed that she picked flowers that morning.
Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, on “The View” on March 3, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The Duchess, who admitted in a July 2021 interview that she “made friends with past mistakes,” also advocated for people to take vacations, even though she suffered guilt when doing the same. Thomson also asked if she missed her grandchildren, who weren’t there that week as they were on holiday.
The royal confirmed that she did miss them and explained that she didn’t join them this time because her recent surgery made traveling difficult. Even though Ferguson’s operation was current then, she revealed she was getting better and would travel soon.
In it, she was seen walking the Queen’s corgis, Sandy and Muick.
Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew, Duke of York, during their wedding day at Westminster Abbey, London, on July 23, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
She was at home recovering from her procedure and was lucky to be in great company. The Duchess spent her time bonding with nature and made the most of her recovery before returning to the world. Ferguson lives on Windsor Castle’s grounds in Royal Lodge and shares the home with her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, whom she divorced in 1996 following ten years of marriage.
The former couple has been residing in the late Queen Mother’s abode, which has a secret swimming pool, since 2004, 27 years after their split. The Duchess once said, “Andrew and I, we’re the happiest divorced couple in the world. […] We live in the same house, but then, it’s a big house, so that’s okay.”
Moreover, Ferguson also revealed on her podcast that she spent her days “sitting outside in the rain with the dogs,” while recuperating
The canines she mentioned are believed to be the late Queen’s corgis given into the Duchess’s care after the late monarch’s death. In September 2023, Ferguson created a video in support of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA).
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Prince Andrew, Duke of York at day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 21, 2019, in Ascot, England | Source: Getty Images
In it, she was seen walking the Queen’s corgis, Sandy and Muick. Her friend, Cat Jurczenko, and her retired service dog, Jessie, also joined the royal for a stroll with Andrew’s former partner, looking healthy.
However, most recently, Ferguson announced another diagnosis on her Instagram. “I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer,” she revealed in her caption. The mother of two credited her dermatologist for detecting the disease in its early stage.
“Naturally, another cancer diagnosis has been a shock, but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support,” Ferguson admitted.
