The Duchess of York shared a heartfelt Instagram post, saying she is “full of admiration” for the Princess of Wales, who recently revealed her cancer diagnosis.
Keep reading to learn what Prince Andrew’s ex-wife had to say about her fellow royal!
On March 25, the Duchess of York, 64, shared a post on social media expressing her support for the Princess of Wales, 42.
Her message comes days after King Charles III – also diagnosed with cancer – praised Kate for speaking out about her cancer diagnosis, saying he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage.”
“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,” writes Sarah Ferguson, who was married to Prince Andrew, King Charles’ little brother, from 1986 to 1996.
Fergie, as she’s popularly known by the public, adds in her post, “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 and I know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness.”
The woman, who’s championed cancer care since the 1990s, concludes her message, saying: “I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal.”
‘Skin cancer came as a shock’
In 2023, the duchess revealed she battled breast cancer and in January 2024 – less than a week from the day King Charles entered hospital to be treated for an enlarged prostate – she shared an Instagram post, explaining that following a mastectomy and reconstruction, she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
“I could only hope that I was in the clear, which is why a new diagnosis of skin cancer came as a shock. I’m now in the best hands and feeling positive with the support of my family,” she writes.
Princess Eugenie’s birthday
But, amid the troubling health issues faced by the royals, Fergie – also a best-selling romance author – had a lot to celebrate.
The day after she shared her tribute to the Princess of Wales, the mother of two celebrated the 34th birthday of Princess Eugenie, her youngest of two daughters she shares with the Duke of York.
Along with a sweet photo that shows the mom embracing her daughter, Fergie writes on Instagram, “Happy birthday to my amazing daughter. I am so proud of the incredible woman you have grown up to be. You continue to amaze me every day in your hard work, your grace, kindness, and the care you show to others. You will always be my silly, sweet, smart, and thoughtful girl. I love you, Eugenie. Happy birthday.”
On the same day, the princess, the younger sister of Princess Beatrice (35), shared a candid photo, where she’s seen playfully lifting one of her sons.
“The best gift of all are my boys…so on this birthday I’m cherishing family and loved ones,” Eugenie writes on Instagram.
‘Not a word about Princess Kate’
The online community jumped in with comments, wishing the princess – who’s 11th in line for the throne – a very happy day.
“I hope that you had a very beautiful and special birthday with your two wonderful sons and family,” shares one follower.
“A very happy birthday to you, Princess Eugenie! Thank you for all of your wonderful support,” writes the Blue Marine Foundation, a charity that supports ocean conservation.
Princess Eugenie marked her birthday two days after the Princess of Wales, the wife of her cousin, announced she’s undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer that was found following her abdominal surgery in January.
And some fans suggested the princess should be showing her support to Kate, instead of celebrating her birthday on social media.
One writes, “Why haven’t you made a statement about Kate?” while another shares, “Not a word about Princess Kate.”
Adding to the drama, another adds, “I was thinking the same…it’s disappointing I thought she was better than that.”
Netizens quickly jumped in and defended the birthday girl: “what is wrong with you? She literally said cherishing family and loved ones!”
A second snipes, “Seriously? Don’t you have anything better to do than to sit making snide comments to people?”
And a third shares, “Kate and William have literally ASKED to be left alone! That probably includes asking family to NOT comment. She has probably reached out privately…like family do. She doesn’t have to do it to satisfy any twisted public desire there may be. This is her account and her birthday, celebrating her children.”