Sarah Ferguson praises Kate's 'beautiful' cancer recovery video

Sarah Ferguson has praised King Charles and the Princess of Wales for revealing their respective cancer diagnoses.

The 64-year-old former wife of Prince Andrew, 64, has been treated for two forms of cancer - undergoing a single mastectomy for breast cancer in 2023. In 2024, she announced she'd been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

Mother-of-two Fergie underwent further surgery, around the edges of the site of the mole and lymph nodes, later announcing that luckily, the cancer had not spread. 

The Duchess of York spoke about her admiration for King Charles, 75, and Kate Middleton, 42 during an interview with People magazine while attending the launch of the Youth Council at New York Climate Week with her daughter Princess Beatrice - she also spoke about the video the princess recently released announcing that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment.

She said: 'I think they are an example to all families going through their own journeys of health. I think both the King and the Princess of Wales have spoken openly about their journey, and I love that the Princess says, "I'm always there for you". I love that video. It was a beautiful video with beautiful words.' 

Fergie also spoke about a visit the king made to the Macmillan Cancer Centre at the University College Hospital in London in April - his first public engagement following the news of his cancer diagnosis.

She said: 'That was very brave too, very courageous, and [he] spoke openly, which was very important to help people and give hope.'

Last week, Sarah and Princess Beatrice, 36, took part in a 'truly inspiring' panel on climate solidarity in the Commonwealth while attending the climate event in New York. 

Sarah and her daughter were both spotted at events for the annual gathering in the US, which highlights environmental work and initiatives. 

The 64-year-old royal and author attended a discussion for Global Citizen NOW: Health and Climate Financing Sessions - The Urgent Need for Action at Guastavino's, and was later joined by Beatrice for a Youth Impact Council Launch in Manhattan.

Sarah took to Instagram to praise the 'fantastic second day' she had at this year's New York Climate Week.

Other attendees included Idris Elba's wife Sabrina and presenter and activist Suluafi Brianna Fruean. 

Kate Middleton's video that Sarah referenced during her interview was the emotional three-minute clip which was posted on September 9. During the video, the Princess of Wales spoke about her 'renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life' after completing chemotherapy following her difficult health crisis this year.

Footage showed Kate and her husband Prince William celebrating the Princess's recovery alongside their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

While Kate's message to the nation was filled with hope and celebration, she warned that 'doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus' and admitted the last nine months have been a 'scary and unpredictable' time for her family.

The Princess said the experience has reminded her and her husband 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.'

The three-minute long video was filmed in Norfolk last month and is accompanied by a backdrop of stunning nature.

It shows the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children – and kissing.

The princess' parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, also featured in the emotional video announcing the end of Kate's chemotherapy treatment.

In her message the princess said: 'As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. 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.

'The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.

'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. 

'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.

'Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.

'I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.

'Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time.

'Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.'

Speaking at the time of the video's release, a palace source emphasised that while the princess is looking forward to undertaking a 'handful' of public engagements over the coming months, her focus is on being 'cancer free' and her journey to full recovery 'is long'.

Her programme of engagements will be 'light' but is likely, as previously revealed by the Daily Mail, to including Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and other events around it.

She will not accompany Prince William to his Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town in November, emphasising she wanted to remain in the UK to support her young family for whom the year has been difficult too.

She has already started to work from home on 'passion projects' such as her early childhood programme and will continue to do so for the rest of the year.

A source stressed that the entire Wales family are 'immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes they have received over the past nine months' and are grateful to the media for its cooperation in affording her space and privacy.