Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma following the removal of a cancerous mole during treatment for breast cancer.

The Duchess of York had several moles removed and analyzed while having reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy, her spokesman said.

The duchess “remains in good spirits”, despite it being “distressing” to have another cancer diagnosis.

Sarah Ferguson is the third royal to announce a medical procedure this week.

Her spokesperson said: “Her dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analyzed at the same time as the duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.

“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages.

“The duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was.

“She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.”

The statement also thanked the private medical team that supported the royal during her treatment.”

According to sources close to the duchess, she is back in the UK after initially recuperating in Austria.

In 2023, Sarah Ferguson had a diagnosis of breast cancer, following a routine mammogram screening.

The 64-year-old duchess was very public about her treatment, urging other women to get checked and using her podcast to raise awareness about breast cancer, wanting it to be a positive message to save others.

She went on to have a single mastectomy at King Edward VII hospital in London, a private clinic used by senior royals.

And having not been invited to the Coronation in May, at Christmas Sarah Ferguson appeared at Sandringham, walking to church with the rest of the Royal Family for the first time more than 30 years.

Sarah Ferguson was married to the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, for 10 years before they divorced in 1996.

They continue to share a home at Royal Lodge – a property owned by the Crown Estate at Windsor Great Park.

They have two daughters – Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33 – and three grandchildren.

On January 17, Kensington Palace confirmed that Kate Middleton would stay in hospital for up to two weeks after undergoing planned abdominal surgery.

Kensington Palace said the procedure was successful but that the Princess of Wales was not expected to resume royal duties for months, and would remain in hospital for up to two weeks.

The palace did not disclose further details about Catherine’s condition but said it was not cancer-related.

Shortly after that announcement, Buckingham Palace said King Charles would receive treatment for a benign prostate condition and would visit an undisclosed hospital in the coming days.