Sarah Ferguson and Kate Middleton. Getty Images (2)
Sarah Ferguson is proud of Princess Kate Middleton’s candor regarding her cancer battle and treatment journey.
“I mean, the video that the princess did was just incredible. I was so moved,” Ferguson, 64, said during a Thursday, October 10, appearance on the U.K.’s This Morning daytime show. “It was beautiful.”
The Duchess of York continued, “She’s just showing the world what it is to really look after yourself and [have] self-love in order to help others, and I think that’s extraordinary.”
Kate, 42, revealed earlier this year that she was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer while Ferguson disclosed her own battle with skin cancer. Ferguson, who previously underwent a mastectomy following a 2023 breast cancer diagnosis, opted against traditional treatments. Kate, meanwhile, sought chemotherapy, which she completed last month.
Several British royals have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer since the start of their family’s reign. Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that King Charles III received a cancer diagnosis one week after he was admitted to The London Clinic to undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate. “During The King’s recent hospital procedure […]
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Kate said in a video shared in September. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
Prince William and Princess Kate seen with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. WILL WARR/KENSINGTON PALACE/AFP via Getty Images
Kate and her husband, Prince William, share sons Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 6, as well as daughter Princess Charlotte, 9, all of whom appeared in the video message.
Daniel Leal – WPA Pool/Getty Images Princess Kate Middleton chose to address her ongoing cancer battle in her own time. Kate’s last official public appearance before taking a break was in December 2023. One month later, Kensington Palace confirmed that Kate wouldn’t be involved in any royal engagements until after April at the earliest due […]
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything,” Kate added. “This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
Kate and Ferguson have been battling cancer at the same time as King Charles III, whose diagnosis was announced in February. He returned to his public-facing duties in April with a visit to a local British cancer nonprofit.
“I loved when the king went to the Cancer Research UK and actually sat on the sofa,” Ferguson marveled on Thursday. “Of course, it’s coming from a place of empathy because he does understand. It’s not just, ‘I understand,’ patronizing. It’s, ‘I know,’ and so I think to be able to talk about it is real and I think you have to.”