Sarah Ferguson in November 2023.Photo:Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Daniele Venturelli/Getty
The Duchess of York, who recently made herfirst appearance at the royal family’s Christmas walkto church since the early 1990s, wrote a lengthyInstagram messageon New Year’s Eve about her breast cancer diagnosis and her outlook for 2024.
“I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday celebrations today,” Fergie, 64, wrote alongside a photo of herself. “2023 hasn’t been without its ups and downs, trials, lessons, laughter, miracles and joy.”
One of Fergie’s “downs” was being diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer, whichher representative told PEOPLE in Junewas detected during a routine mammogram screening.
“I beat breast cancer,” Fergie said in her NYE message, “and now I have got a Derek on my left.” After successfullyundergoing a mastectomyearlier this year, Fergie named her reconstructed left breast “Derek.”
Among Fergie’s “ups” was publishingA Most Intriguing Ladyin March. “I made the Sunday Times Top 5 bestseller list for my historical romance novel … I have a new grandchild!!!”
Fergie celebrated that grandchild—Princess Eugenie’s sonErnest George Ronnie— this summer in a congratulatory note to her daughter and her husband,Jack Brooksbank. “Such a total joy to our hearts … our new little lion cub,” Fergie wrote on the note, which was shared on theInstagramfan account Royal Addicted Replies.
Last month, Fergie opened up to PEOPLE about howher grandchildren were a source of joyamid her cancer treatment and recovery. “My grandchildren have been spectacular healers. Joy and laughter can be powerful tools when it comes to healing,” she said.
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“I have had the pleasure of meeting some very inspiring people from around the world with beautiful stories to tell,” she said.
“I have discovered within myself that I, too, have more stories to tell. I am 64 and just getting started. I hope everyone takes time to reflect and to look forward with love and positivity. Happy New Year, #2024!”
source: people.com
