In a surprise appearance on ITV's This Morning, Princess Beatrice gave a rare update on her mother, Sarah Ferguson's, health following her recent battles with breast cancer and skin cancer. The 35-year-old royal, speaking via videolink from the top of the Empire State Building in New York, revealed that the Duchess of York is "doing really well" and is "all clear now" after a "bumpy health scare last year."
"She's been through so much, but now she's coming into her own," Beatrice said of her mother, who is 64. "We are just reminded when any parent or individual has a health scenario, you really need to get the checks that you need to get as early as you possibly can. And both my sister and I are so proud of her for taking those steps to get those checks."
Beatrice's appearance on the show was in support of the Outward Bound Trust, a charity that was close to the heart of her late grandfather, Prince Philip. She is currently in New York to lend her support to a group of youngsters who are planning to abseil down the Empire State Building as part of a special project called "The Big Rappel."
During the interview, hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle also touched on the recent health scares within the Royal Family, with King Charles and the Princess of Wales both receiving cancer diagnoses this year and now undergoing treatment. Beatrice acknowledged the difficult times, saying, "I know. There's nothing more important than family."
The princess also spoke fondly of her mother's stint as a guest presenter on This Morning last year, admitting that she watched the episode "half from behind the sofa," but found it to be "one of the most hilarious segments I've seen for a while." When asked by Josie to send Fergie their love, Beatrice happily obliged, saying, "Of course I will send my mum your best. When I'm back in the UK, maybe we can do something together."
Fergie's health has been a major concern for the Royal Family and the public in recent months. In March, doctors told the Duchess of York the good news that it appeared her malignant melanoma skin cancer had not spread, following her second bout of cancer after being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery last year.
In a show of support for Princess Kate, who also received a cancer diagnosis, Fergie expressed her admiration in a social media post, saying, "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."
Beatrice's update on her mother's health comes as a relief to many, with friends of the Duchess saying that while doctors are reluctant to use the term "cancer free," there is very much cause for optimism. Fergie is said to be determined to use her experience to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and regular check-ups.
In addition to discussing her mother's health, Beatrice also opened up about her love for New York, where she had the opportunity to live for a couple of years, and the special place the city holds for both her and her mother. She also mentioned that while her "little ones" are "phenomenally about coming to travel," she hasn't yet braved an international flight with her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter.
