Sarah Ferguson says she's 'full of admiration' for Kate for speaking out about her chemo - after the Duchess of York revealed her own double cancer diagnosis

The Duchess of York says she is 'full of admiration' for the Princess of Wales for revealing her cancer diagnosis. 

Taking to Instagram, Prince Andrew's ex-wife, fondly known as Fergie, payed tribute to the mother-of-three, saying that 'everyone is praying for her'.

In a heartfelt statement, the Duchess of York said: '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.

'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.'

Princess Beatrice and Eugenie's mother, was herself diagnosed with skin cancer just months after having a mastectomy for breast cancer. Their uncle, King Charles, is also undergoing cancer treatments.

The Duchess of York has paid tribute to the Princess of Wales for sharing her cancer diagnosis, saying it will do 'tremendous good' 

Speaking about Kate's decision to reveal her own diagnosis, the Duchess added: I know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness.'

She concluded the message, saying: 'I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal.' 

It comes after Fergie's daughter Princess Eugenie marked her 34th birthday yesterday with a tribute post dedicated to 'the best gift of all' - her children.

The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York took to Instagram yesterday to praise her two sons, August, three, and Ernest who is about to mark his first birthday.

In the candid photograph, Eugenie playfully held her younger son, Ernest, aloft in her arms.

In light of this, Eugenie captioned the post: 'The best gift of all are my boys... so on this birthday I'm cherishing family and loved ones.'

To mark her 34th birthday, Princess Eugenie shared a sweet photograph with her youngest son Ernest on Instagram 

In the sweet post, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York said her sons are 'the best gift of all'

Sarah Ferguson, 64, also shared a sweet photograph on Instagram to mark Eugenie's 34th birthday 

Princess Eugenie marked her birthday two days after the announcement that her cousin's wife, the Princess of Wales, is battling cancer, the third member of the royal family to be diagnosed in recent months.

Last week, Kate announced that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer that was found following her abdominal surgery in January.

Commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said he believes Harry will be 'devastated' that Kate, who he always called 'Cath' and once said she was 'the sister I never had', has cancer. 'Whether he comes to the UK to visit Kate, time will tell', he said.

Biographer and historian Hugo Vickers believes the California couple should stay in the US for now to aid the future queen's cancer fight and recovery.

He said: 'People ask if Prince Harry is going to come back and help them out, but I think that would be very counterproductive'.

The Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel, Windsor on February 27, 2024 

Harry flew to the UK shortly after his father announced he was battling the disease in January - but a rushed trip to see Kate is less likely.

However, King Charles has said he hopes he will be well enough to attend a reduced 'Easter Lite' service next Sunday as his cancer battle continues.

The 75-year-old will lead a smaller royal contingent at the traditional Easter service in St George's Chapel, Windsor, if his health allows.

A palace source confirmed to the Telegraph: 'The King and Queen are hoping to attend some form of Easter service in Windsor.'

'However, it will not be the large family gathering that we might expect to see in different circumstances.'

The King is currently undergoing treatment for cancer and has stepped back from royal duties as he battles the disease.

One of the reasons for this is the 'risks associated with large crowds' and therefore the gathering at the service is expected to be much smaller than normal.

The news comes after Kate confirmed she would not be joining other royals at the 'Easter Lite' service following her cancer diagnosis. 

The Princess of Wales made the decision following the release of her emotional video message last Friday night.

She is apparently determined to go about her normal routine, which she sees as an important part of her recovery but there has been no set timeline for her return to public life.

The future queen is currently undergoing 'preventative' chemotherapy treatment and has asked the public to respect her young family's privacy. 

The Prince of Wales is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break, but the family will not appear at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel for the Easter Sunday service.

Last year's service was the first Easter Sunday service of Charles's reign and the royal family were out in force in the grounds of the castle, enjoying the bright spring sunshine before the morning service. 

At the service the Wales family were spotted in a group of younger royals at the back of the large party walking down from the chapel where Queen Elizabeth was interred in September 2022.

The public and royal watchers have been clamouring to know when the Princess of Wales will get back to official duties since having surgery in January.

Her last official royal engagement was the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham on December 25.

In the video Kate said: 'My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.'

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.'

It is understood Kate's own views on whether she wants to attend events and if she feels able to, along with medical advice, would form part of the decision-making process. 

A Palace spokesman said: 'Their Royal Highnesses understand the interest this update will generate and are grateful for the public support they have received throughout this period.

'Kensington Palace will provide information, when the time is right, and the princess is able to restart work and her duties.

'In the meantime, we would ask that the family's privacy is respected.'

A running commentary on Kate's health is not expected as she will need the time, space and privacy to fully recover.

It would be likely that Kensington Palace will only provide further updates on Kate's plans to return to public events when the time is deemed appropriate.

It should also be expected that any initial public events will not necessarily signal a return to a regular public schedule.

Kensington Palace has said that Kate had major abdominal surgery in January and that surgery was successful.

At the time of surgery, it was thought that the condition was non-cancerous and no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer.

Post-operative tests found that cancer had been present and Kate has now begun a course of preventative chemotherapy.