Sarah Ferguson Reflects on ‘Dark Places’ After Cancer Diagnosis

Sarah Ferguson opens up about the impact that two back-to-back cancer diagnoses have had on her mental health.

“It was difficult. I’m generally a positive person but cancer is like a bomb going off in your life,” Sarah Ferguson, 65, told The Times in an interview published on Friday, January 17. “One diagnosis is enough to deal with, but I had two within a year. I don’t mind admitting that my mind has gone to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality.”

Ferguson announced in June 2023 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. She later had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Six months later, in January 2024, the Duchess announced that she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

“Her dermatologist asked for a number of moles to be removed and analyzed at the same time as the Duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery after her mastectomy, one of which has been identified as cancerous,” said a representative of a member of the royal family in a statement to Us Weekly at the time.

While Ferguson joked recently The Times that she renamed her reconstructed breast “Derek,” she also revealed that her back-to-back cancer diagnoses took a toll on her mental health. Thankfully, he explained, he found ways to cope.

“I’ve used meditation and mindfulness to help stay positive and balanced,” she explained, adding that her family has been a “tremendous support to me through this time.” (Ferguson divides women Princess Beatrice a Princess Eugenie with her ex-husband and fighting royal, Prince Andrew.)

In June 2024, speaking to Hello!Ferguson gave royal fans a health update, saying she had to have “regular check-ups” and that she had to “put cream on my face to get rid of sun damage.”

“(It) meant big blisters on my face, chest and hands for three weeks,” she explained at the time. “But I’m not doing immunotherapy, taking any drugs or doing chemotherapy, and I’m very grateful for that.”

In the same profile interview, Ferguson praised her “most exceptional family,” going on to say that she has an “exceptionally great team” and a “massive ability to turn to joy.”

“I’ve always brought up my daughters to be so honest and blunt that they know I’m going to tell them straight away, no matter how hard it is,” the Duchess continued.

In May 2024, while appearing on an episode of UK’s This morningPrincess Beatrice revealed that her mother was “absolutely clear”.

“She’s such an incredible icon. As a mother, she’s been amazing, she’s been through so much and her sense of purpose and resilience keeps me going,” the royal said at the time. “At 64 she’s thriving; she she’s been through so much, but I think now she’s coming into her own.”