UK ex-royal Fergie diagnosed with skin cancer

LONDON: Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of the United Kingdom’s Prince Andrew, has been diagnosed with skin cancer, just months after undergoing an operation for a breast tumor, her spokesman said on Sunday.

“Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York, has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” the spokesman said in a statement.

The cancer was discovered after the 64-year-old underwent tests requested by a dermatologist shortly before she was due to undergo a breast reconstruction operation following a mastectomy.

Ferguson, who thanked the medical team supporting her, had several moles removed and analyzed, one of which was cancerous, the spokesman said.

“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages,” he said.

“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits,” the spokesman added.

“She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture, and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.”

Affectionately known in the UK as “Fergie,” Ferguson still shares a manor near Windsor Castle with Andrew, a younger brother of King Charles 3rd and formally known as the Duke of York.

He has stepped down from royal duties following a sex abuse scandal linked to the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The former spouses have two daughters, both married and with children: Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33.

Although Ferguson is no longer a working royal, the news comes at a time when the royal family has been rocked by health issues.

Charles, 75, will undergo prostate surgery next week, forcing him to cancel public engagements.

At the same time, his daughterin-law Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, is recuperating in hospital after abdominal surgery.

Her husband, heir to the throne Prince William, 41, has postponed some engagements.

AFP FILE PHOTO PART OF THE FAMILY Sarah, Duchess of York, smiles outside after attending the United Kingdom royal family’s traditional Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in eastern England on Dec. 25, 2023.