Sarah Ferguson feared if she was 'going to see her grandchildren' after two cancer diagnoses
The Duchess of York was diagnosed with cancer twice in 2023 and 2024Sarah Ferguson has opened up about her fears over her family after being diagnosed with cancer twice.
To mark World Cancer Day on February 4, the Duchess of York shared a personal video message to Instagram as she discussed her battles with the disease.
Sarah, 65, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and was then diagnosed with skin cancer in early 2024.
In the message, Sarah admitted she was “trying to get my head around whether I was going to see my grandchildren” after the diagnoses.
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Sarah Ferguson admits fear over her grandchildren after cancer diagnoses
The duchess shared the video to discuss Zoul – a daily mental health and wellbeing app.
Speaking in the clip, Sarah said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer and then later on I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
“I was trying to get my head around exactly whether I was going to see my grandchildren, whether I was going to see my children. This is why I am so delighted to have found Zoul, this app which can really help you.”
Sarah is mum to daughters Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34. She has four grandchildren – Beatrice’s daughters Sienna, three, and Athena, born in January 2025, and Eugenie’s sons August, three, and Ernest, one.
Fergie continued: “My father died of melanoma and my best friend died of melanoma. I had to use all my strength, mental awareness and I really had to go within to find the strength.
“So what does Zoul give you? It gives you a place where you can let your mind have solutions. Zoul is a balm to your mind. Not just in difficult times, but in all times.”
Captioning the post, Sarah wrote: “Dear friends, I’m inviting you to join us for a free guided meditation for stress relief, rejuvenation, and self-care.
“This is a gentle space where you can reconnect with yourself and experience the incredible wisdom of your mind and body.
I was trying to get my head around exactly whether I was going to see my grandchildren, whether I was going to see my children.
“Led by Zoul app’s master teacher—a Clinical Hypnotherapist, meditation leader, and PhD in self-efficacy—this session is for everyone, whether you’re seeking inner peace or just a moment to breathe.”
Royal fans praised Sarah for her video as one person said: “We love you Sarah. Please don’t ever stop being an inspiration.”
Another gushed: “Thank you for inspiring everyone with your courage, strength, and resilience.”
Duchess of York admits her ‘mind went to some dark places’ during cancer ordeals
The latest video message comes after Sarah opened up about how her mind “went to some dark places” amid her cancer.
During an interview with The Times in January, Sarah spoke about the impact her double cancer diagnoses had on her.
Read more: Sarah Ferguson’s gushing words about Prince Andrew being ‘very good’ grandfather amid new royal baby
She admitted: “It was hard. I’m generally a positive person but cancer is like a bomb going off in your life. One diagnosis is enough to deal with, but I had two in the space of a year. I don’t mind admitting that my mind went to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality.”
Sarah added: “I’ve used meditation and mindfulness to help stay positive and balanced.”
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