Sarah Ferguson has revealed that she went to “dark places” when she was diagnosed with two different types of cancer within months of each other.

The 65-year-old Duchess of York opened up about her health journey following her breast cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2023, which led to her undergoing a single mastectomy. Just months later, she received another devastating diagnosis — malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, in January of the following year.

Describing the moment as “a bomb,” Sarah spoke of the immense support from her family during this time. She also admitted that despite joking about her treatment — even naming her reconstructed breast “Derek” — the emotional toll of dealing with two cancers was much harder than she had anticipated.

“It was hard. I’m generally a positive person, but cancer is like a bomb going off in your life,” she told The Times. “One diagnosis is enough to handle, but I had two in a year. I don’t mind admitting my mind went to some dark places, thinking about my mortality.”

Sarah, affectionately known as “Fergie,” remains close to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, and continues to live with him at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate. Despite the scandals that have surrounded him in recent years, including his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the recent controversy involving an alleged Chinese spy, Sarah has remained supportive.

Prince Andrew’s alleged connection to Yang Tengbo, a suspected Chinese spy who was reportedly so close to the prince that he had access to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, has made headlines. However, Tengbo has denied any wrongdoing and challenged the UK’s ban on him, which was imposed after an MI5 investigation.

Sarah has been instrumental in influencing her ex-husband’s decisions, including his choice to skip the royal Christmas party, despite no formal requirement to do so. In addition to supporting Andrew through his ongoing struggles, she has been a calming presence in his life, with many close to the family acknowledging her loyalty to him despite their separation.

The Duchess also discussed the mental health challenges faced by men, especially in her personal experience caring for her father, who she described as “profoundly sad and struggling for many years.” “I was left to look after a sad man, which is sort of what I’m doing now,” Sarah reflected, possibly referencing her ongoing relationship with Andrew.

Prince Andrew, 64, stepped down from royal duties in 2019 amid the Epstein scandal and was stripped of his titles and patronages by Queen Elizabeth II in January 2022. Despite his fall from grace, Sarah remains steadfast in her commitment to him, continuing to provide care and support during his tough times.

The Duchess also shared a tragic story of her dear friend’s son, James Wentworth-Stanley, who took his own life in 2006 after facing a delay in mental health support. Sarah expressed her deep sorrow for James, noting that she had been very close to him. His death is a stark reminder of the rising suicide rates, particularly among young people in the UK, which have now become one of the leading causes of death for individuals aged 20 to 34.

Her concern extends to her daughters, Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34. “You worry about them all the time. I still do, even now when they are adults,” she admitted. “I think young people today have it harder than ever. Social media is a cesspit, and it’s very frightening what young people are exposed to.”

Although Sarah and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996, they have maintained a close relationship, and she continues to be a loyal figure in his life. As Royal Editor Rebecca English noted, Sarah’s influence and calm presence have been invaluable in navigating the difficult and sensitive issues surrounding Andrew’s life.

“She has been very loyal to Andrew throughout his difficulties over the years, but to be fair to her, she has also been respectful to the King and Queen and the late Queen Elizabeth,” Rebecca English commented on Mail+’s Palace Confidential.

Sarah’s unwavering support for her ex-husband, despite the many challenges they’ve faced, demonstrates her deep commitment to both him and the royal family.


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