The Duchess of York says she is ‘full of admiration’ for the Princess of Wales for revealing her cancer diagnosis. Taking to Instagram, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, fondly known as Fergie, payed tribute to the mother-of-three, saying that ‘everyone is praying for her’. In a heartfelt statement, the Duchess of York said: ‘All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment.
‘I know she will be surrounded by the love of her family and everyone is praying for the best outcome. ‘As someone who has faced their own battles with cancer in recent months, I am full of admiration for the way she has spoken publicly about her diagnosis.’
Princess Beatrice and Eugenie’s mother, was herself diagnosed with skin cancer just months after having a mastectomy for breast cancer. Their uncle, King Charles, is also undergoing cancer treatments.
Speaking about Kate’s decision to reveal her own diagnosis, the Duchess added: I know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness.’ She concluded the message, saying: ‘I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal.’
It comes after Fergie’s daughter Princess Eugenie marked her 34th birthday yesterday with a tribute post dedicated to ‘the best gift of all’ – her children. The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York took to Instagram yesterday to praise her two sons, August, three, and Ernest who is about to mark his first birthday.
In the candid photograph, Eugenie playfully held her younger son, Ernest, aloft in her arms. In light of this, Eugenie captioned the post: ‘The best gift of all are my boys… so on this birthday I’m cherishing family and loved ones.’
Princess Eugenie marked her birthday two days after the announcement that her cousin’s wife, the Princess of Wales, is battling cancer, the third member of the royal family to be diagnosed in recent months. Last week, Kate announced that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer that was found following her abdominal surgery in January.
Commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said he believes Harry will be ‘devastated’ that Kate, who he always called ‘Cath’ and once said she was ‘the sister I never had’, has cancer. ‘Whether he comes to the UK to visit Kate, time will tell’, he said.
Biographer and historian Hugo Vickers believes the California couple should stay in the US for now to aid the future queen’s cancer fight and recovery. He said: ‘People ask if Prince Harry is going to come back and help them out, but I think that would be very counterproductive’.