Sarah Ferguson gushed that it was a “special gift” to share her children's books with her grandchildren – as she battles cancer alongside King Charles.
The 64-year-old Duchess of York was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in January after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer last year.
Last night, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will be stepping back from public duties while he receives treatment.
Earlier this week, Sarah Ferguson opened up about her relationship with her three grandchildren when she posted on her Instagram in celebration of Children's Authors Week.
Prince Andrew's ex-wife has written 35 books in the last 30 years – including 15 children's books.
Pictured: Princess Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson and Princess Eugenie were seen attending King Charles' The Big Help Out last year
The Duchess wrote: “I feel very lucky to be able to call myself a children’s book author as a mother and now as a grandmother!”
“Creating magic with my girls when they were little brought many of my children’s book characters to life.”
“To now be able to share this with my grandchildren and with children around the world has been an incredibly special gift.”
“Every time I pick up one of my children’s books, I feel the precious time I spent together.”
The Duchess became a grandmother for the third time in May 2023, when her youngest daughter Princess Eugenie – who had her son in August 2021 – announced the birth of her little Ernest.
Princess Beatrice shares daughter Sienna with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and is also stepmother to his son Wolfie.
Sarah's post received over 9,200 likes and fans were full of praise for her caption.
“Such a wonderful gift to the next generation,” said one. Another added: “I love your books!”
Fergie's skin cancer diagnosis has made her “reflect on her life and her mortality,” a source recently claimed
In the picture: August, Princess Eugenie's eldest son, lovingly placing his hand on his little brother Ernest in June 2023
A third gushed: “My son (who is now 32) loved Budgie the little helicopter, we had story books and playsets.”
“Read stories over and over again.” Glad to see you are creating beautiful memories for children and parents with your books!'
Prince Harry's father called him personally to break the devastating news of his cancer, and the Duke of Sussex hopped on a plane so he could be in the UK later today.
Last night, a luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying British royalty was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal, and there are claims it boarded on the earliest flight and could be at lunchtime be in London.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: “I'm sure Harry will now put the past aside for this serious issue.” “It's so important for the royal family – including the Sussexes – that everyone pulls together.”
The royal spent last night at home in London after starting outpatient cancer treatment – family and friends revealed the monarch remains “extremely positive” following his bombshell diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace released this photo of King Charles last night as it was announced that the monarch had been diagnosed with cancer
Days after Christmas, the Duchess was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Pictured: Sarah Ferguson at the Christmas service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023
Fergie's skin cancer diagnosis has made her “reflect on her life and her mortality,” a source recently claimed.
She praised her dermatologist for discovering malignant melanoma – an aggressive form of skin cancer – just months after her breast cancer surgery.
The mother of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie admitted the second diagnosis was a “shock” but revealed she was now in “good spirits” and grateful for the many messages of love and support.
In an Instagram post, she revealed that she is now taking some time for herself after receiving the diagnosis following the removal of several moles during reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy in June.
One has been diagnosed with cancer and is now undergoing further medical tests to ensure the cancer was detected in its early stages.
She added that her experience underscores the importance of examining new moles and urged anyone who reads her post to be “diligent.”
Melanoma: The most dangerous form of skin cancer
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. This happens after the DNA in skin cells is damaged (typically by harmful UV rays) and is subsequently not repaired, triggering mutations that can form malignant tumors.
causes
- Sunlight: UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds are harmful to the skin
- Birthmarks: The more birthmarks you have, the greater your risk of developing melanoma
- Skin type: Lighter skin has a higher risk of developing melanoma
- Hair Color: Red heads are more at risk than others
- Personal history: If you have had melanoma once, you are more likely to get it again
- Family history: If previous relatives have been diagnosed, the risk increases
Treatment
This can be done by removing the entire tumor section or by the surgeon removing the skin in layers. By removing it layer by layer, a surgeon can figure out exactly where the cancer ends so he doesn't have to remove more skin than necessary.
The patient may opt for skin grafting if the surgery has caused discoloration or a dent.
- Immunotherapy, radiation treatment or chemotherapy:
This is required when the cancer reaches stage III or IV. This means that the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.
prevention
- Use sunscreen and don't burn yourself
- Avoid tanning outside and in bed
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside
- Keep newborns out of the sun
- Examine your skin every month
- See your doctor every year for a skin exam
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society
The Duchess wrote: “I have been taking some time for myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer. This is my second cancer diagnosis in 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 in good time.”
“Of course, another cancer diagnosis was a shock, but I am in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.”
“I believe my experience highlights the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture, as well as the appearance of new moles, which can be a sign of melanoma, and advise anyone reading this to be careful.”
“I am incredibly grateful to the medical teams who supported me through these two cancer experiences, and to the MAYRLIFE Clinic, who lovingly looked after me over the last few weeks and gave me time to recover.” I am now resting with my family Home and feel blessed to have their love and support.”
The Duchess deals with the news in private. A source close to her told Web that after last year's difficulties, it “feels like the worst icing on the cake”.