A representative for the Duchess of York, 63, announced that, “Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening. She was advised she needed to undergo surgery, which has taken place successfully.”
“The Duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good. She is now recuperating with her family, the rep continues. “The Duchess wants to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days.”
“She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening,” adds the representative.
The spokesman also tells PEOPLE that the Duchess recorded a podcast episode the day before she went in for surgery, which is set to be released early Monday morning.
She and Prince Andrew separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996 after a scandal when the Duchess’s photograph appeared in tabloid magazines. On vacation with her lover of the moment, and in the presence of her daughters, he sucked on her toes.
After nearly six years of marriage, Fergie and Prince Andrew legally separated in March 1992, with Fergie citing the demands of Andrew’s naval career as a primary cause.
Nevertheless, despite not being invited to royal occasions over the years she maintained a warm and friendly relationship with Andrew, and it is believed, with the late Queen Elizabeth of whom she was a favorite before the divorce.
On the complex situation of being in the royal family she commented, “You can’t sit on the fence and keep one foot in and one foot out. You’re either in or out,” she said, in what could be interpreted as commentary on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
