24 May 2024 , 10:35
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Sarah Ferguson has issued a defiant update on her cancer struggle during a dazzling red-carpet appearance.
The Duchess of York wore a show-stopping gown as she appeared at the amfAR Gala at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Her glamorous outing comes months after being diagnosed with skin cancer and almost a year after she underwent surgery for breast cancer.
Earlier this month, Fergie's oldest daughter Princess Beatrice revealed in a rare update that her mother was now "all clear". And during an interview at Cannes yesterday, Sarah gave another positive update on her condition and the importance of raising awareness.
Fergie speaks at the mfAR Cannes Gala 30th edition (Getty Images for amfAR)She told PEOPLE magazine: "This evening I am doing very well. I think that we've managed to get cancer in the right place rather than cancer ruling me. I've put cancer in the corner.
"I think you always have to be aware. I think it's great to get checked for breast cancer [and] melanoma. I think you just have to be very candid about it. I think a lot of people get very frightened to talk about these things. I'm very happy with my mastectomy and my breasts and just to talk about it."
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Sarah was asked if she had been able to offer support for King Charles 75, and the Princess of Wales, 42, amid their cancer diagnoses earlier this year. The King is still undergoing treatment but has recently resumed public-facing duties, while Kate is away from public life as she continues her recovery.
Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis in March (Getty Images)
The King is also undergoing cancer treatment (Getty Images)And Fergie added: "I think family unity is key… I think the key to life is that we all support each other. And also forgiveness is a great thing. I think forgiveness of yourself and forgiveness of others."
The Duchess previously spoke out when Kate revealed her diagnosis by posting a sweet message of support on Instagram. She 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 and know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness. I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal."
It is almost a year since Fergie's breast cancer was found at an early stage during a routine mammogram and she underwent surgery at London's King Edward VII's Hospital, which has treated the royal family for decades. Then in the New Year, it was revealed that Fergie had been diagnosed with skin cancer with the disease discovered after several moles were removed when she was treated for breast cancer.
In recent months, Fergie has increasingly been welcomed back into the royal fold attending several family events alongside her ex-husband Prince Andrew. At Christmas, she joined the royals at Sandringham for their annual walk to church on Christmas morning and attended a memorial service for the former King Constantine of Greece at Windsor Castle in February.
In March she was also among a select few members of the royal family that joined King Charles for the annual Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel in Windsor.