Sarah Ferguson shocked royal watchers earlier this month after her spokesperson announced that she’s been diagnosed with cancer for the second time. The announcement on January 21 said that the Duchess of York was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, which was discovered during her treatment for breast cancer.
Now a royal commentator suggested her eldest daughter with Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice may be able to offer “advice and comfort” to her mother due to a key role she has.
Fergie, as she is known to family and friends, bravely spoke about her diagnosis as she thanked well-wishers and medical staff for the outpouring of support she had received. She wrote on Instagram: “I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was. Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.”
The Mail columnist Liz Jones suggested that Princess Beatrice is in a very good position to be able to console her mother. She wrote: “Princess Beatrice is a patron of the British Skin Foundation (BSF), is therefore well used to talking to patients with skin cancer, and has doubtless been offering advice as well as comfort.”
The princess was appointed patron of the charity in February 2023 and said at the time: “I am so pleased to be able to support the work of the BSF. I have admired their work and research for many years, and they have helped so many people through the foundations pioneering efforts.
“I am grateful to be working with them, to learn as much as I can about their ground-breaking endeavours.”
The charity has been funding research into all types of skin diseases including skin cancer at centres throughout the UK for many years, while also raising awareness and educating people about different skin conditions, helping to reduce stigma and promote understanding. According to the BSF, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and rates continue to rise as at least 100,000 new cases are now diagnosed annually.
Jones went on to praise Fergie, as she was always more “ebullient than her future sister-in-law, [Princess] Diana.” She added: “She raised two girls who seem completely sorted, despite being members of the Royal Family. They have careers and families of their own.
“They have never risen to the bait of the endless criticism of their often outlandish sartorial choices.”
The royal commentator said the royal’s latest news is “not fair”.
She explained: “She doesn’t deserve yet another blow. How much more can one woman take? Ridicule, divorce, scandal.
“Can stress trigger cancer? The causes are myriad. But the past few years can’t have helped.”
