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"First day of school": Charles Spencer shares unseen snap of Diana

<p>Charles Spencer has shared a previously unseen photo from his school days with his late sister Princess Diana. </p> <p>The sweet photo shows a young Charles and Diana in their school uniforms standing side by side on what was their first day of primary school in 1968.</p> <p>Earl Spencer, 59, captioned the photo, "My first day of school, in September 1968: my father took this photograph of me and my sister, Diana, just before he drove us to Silfield, a really lovely primary school in King's Lynn, Norfolk."</p> <p>"The headmistress was Miss Jean Lowe, a warm and thoughtful lady who loved her boys and girls."</p> <p>"I was there till 1972, when I headed off to the place I call - in my memoir - A Very Private School."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5TfsiIoQL8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5TfsiIoQL8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Charles Spencer (@charles.earl.spencer)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Three years after the photo was taken, Charles was separated from his sister to attend a boarding school, Maidwell Hall Prep School.</p> <p>Throughout the Spencer children's schooling life, Diana was always "very protective" over her brother and "just wouldn't settle" in class until she knew he was okay. </p> <p>Charles told <a title="HELLO!" href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/516378/charles-spencer-shares-poignant-childhood-anecdote-princess-diana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>HELLO</em>!</a> that he and Diana had a unique bond when they were growing up. </p> <p>"My mother [Frances] left home when we were young – I was two or three, and Diana would have been five or six – so we were very much in it together," he said.</p> <p>Diana soon fell into a caretaker role, and would look after her brother after their mother left. </p> <p>"Diana looked after me because she was nearly three years older than me," Charles Spencer said.</p> <p>"She said that the worst part was hearing me cry down the hall because she was terrified of the dark and couldn't come to me."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

Sarah Ferguson sends her well wishes to Kate Middleton

<p>Sarah Ferguson has shared a hopeful message for Kate Middleton in the wake of her cancer diagnosis.</p> <p>The Duchess of York, who has battled both breast and skin cancer in the last year, said she was impressed and proud of the Princess of Wales for coming forward with the news of her diagnosis, while also sending her well wishes as her health journey continues.</p> <p>In a statement to her Instagram page, Fergie wrote, "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."</p> <p>She continued, "As someone who has faced their own battle 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."</p> <p>"I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal."</p> <p>The Duchess is no stranger to difficult diagnoses, as she shared the news of her skin cancer diagnosis in January - just months after undergoing surgery for breast cancer. </p> <p>On Saturday, Kate Middleton confirmed she had been <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/kate-middleton-reveals-cancer-diagnosis-in-heartfelt-message" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diagnosed with cancer</a> in a personal video message released by Kensington Palace, following weeks of speculation and controversy surrounding the true state of her health.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Caring

Princess Diana's brother reveals tragic secret

<p>Charles Spencer has bravely detailed the alleged sexual abuse he experienced as a child.</p> <p>The younger brother of Princess Diana, now 59, initially made the revelation that he was abused as a child while in boarding school when he was 42. </p> <p>Now, the 9th Earl Spencer is recalling the alleged trauma in his new memoir <em>A Very Private School,</em> and the first moment he told anyone about the abuse he experienced. </p> <p>“I was doing a 10-day course of very deep introspection and therapy,” he told Fox News Digital.</p> <p>“My therapist said to each of us, ‘Whisper to me one secret you’d never told anyone.’ I whispered to him that I was sexually abused as a child by an adult.</p> <p>"And I remember him looking so shocked, and he had heard it all. Afterwards, he took me aside and said, ‘This is very serious stuff.’”</p> <p>He added that at that stage, he already had children, and having kids of his own made him realise how devastating his experience was. </p> <p>“I suddenly put it into context. What if one of my children of either gender had been subjected to this as an 11-year-old? It made my blood boil," he said. </p> <p>"I then started to allow myself to feel the full devastation of what had happened to me.”</p> <p>Spencer was eight when he was enrolled at Maidwell Hall, an elite English boarding school, and he claimed that it didn't take long for him to witness and experience incidents of alleged abuse. </p> <p>He claimed that he was groomed and sexually abused at age 11 by an assistant matron at the school, who was 19 or 20 years old. </p> <p>“It was a brutal experience,” he claimed in his memoir. </p> <p>“The headmaster was a sadistic pedophile. He staffed a very small number of teachers in this place who were either … perverted or would never tell tales against him. There wasn’t really anyone to go to.“</p> <p>He added that the beatings had become "a ritual part of every day," and his parents had no idea the extent of what was going on behind closed doors.</p> <p>The royal also alleged that one student was whipped so badly he struggled to take off his pants at night because the dried blood and clothing stuck to his skin, and that it took two weeks for him to recover. </p> <p>Spencer claimed he was allowed to write a letter to his parents once a week, with the messages being supervised so he was unable to tell his parents what was going on. </p> <p>“We were just left there at the mercy of some really dangerous people,” Spencer alleged.</p> <p>He said that meeting with other former pupils was what motivated him to write the new memoir, and revisit the painful memories of his past. </p> <p>The historian recalled the moment he met another former student, who kept quiet about the abuse he experience because it was so traumatising. </p> <p>"He told me how he was made to feel worthless every day, how he’d been seriously sexually assaulted as a nine-year-old three times by somebody who was meant to protect him," he recalled.</p> <p>“I took 10 pages of notes, stopped and said, ‘This is too terrible — I can’t tell this story.’ He reached across, grabbed my arm and said, ‘Somebody has to do it – it’s got to be you.’ That convinced me, the truth needed to be shared with the world.”</p> <p>The 9th Earl also said that he is undergoing “a very effective” post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, as well as Tai Chi and breathing exercises.</p> <p>“I’ve got a whole armoury of support techniques to try and get to a better place,” he shared.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

Major Cruise line scraps entire season

<p>Virgin Voyages has cancelled all of its sailings in Australia and New Zealand for the next year after they were left with "no choice" in the wake of escalating tensions in the Red Sea.</p> <p>The Resilient Lady ship will not return Down Under for its promised second sailing season next summer due to safety concerns following a series of strikes on container ships in the Red Sea. </p> <p>The cruise line revealed on Tuesday that a lengthier alternative return route around Africa was not viable for the company. </p> <p>"On the heels of these recent changes and based on the regional and government advice we have received, we remain very concerned about potential escalations in the Red Sea over the next 12 months," <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">a spokesperson from Virgin Voyages said. </span></p> <p>“This significant and ongoing conflict puts unacceptable risks for safe passage through the region for our Sailors, crew and vessel."</p> <p>“To say that we are disappointed to have come to this tough conclusion is an understatement.</p> <p>“These adjustments are happening now to minimise potential future disruption to our passengers’ holiday plans, knowing there is a high likelihood that changes would need to happen in the future.”</p> <p>The cancellations will impact customers with trips planned in late 2024 and early 2025 on repositioning voyages between Europe and Australia. </p> <p>Virgin Voyages have indicated that a return to Australian waters will remain a possibility, as they continue to look for available options.</p> <p>They also said that if the 2024/25 can go ahead, customers who had previously booked their holiday will be prioritised if they would like to re-book. </p> <p>Currently, impacted customers have the option to re-book a different trip or request a full refund. </p> <p>A few other cruise companies who operate seasonal sailings or world cruises through the Red Sea and Suez Canal have also had to cancel, reposition, or re-route their sailings. </p> <p>MSC have cancelled three repositioning sailings in April, while Cunard, Princess and Seabourn have re-routed their world cruises to avoid the Suez Canal.</p> <p><em>Image: Virgin Voyages</em></p> <p> </p>

Cruising

Sarah Ferguson diagnosed with malignant melanoma – here are the latest treatments for this increasingly common skin cancer

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-allinson-137762">Sarah Allinson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a></em></p> <p>News that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has recently been diagnosed with malignant melanoma highlights the dangers of this increasingly common skin cancer.</p> <p>Malignant melanoma affects <a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/cancer-type/skin-cancer/">325,000 people worldwide</a> every year. While it’s not the most common form of skin cancer – typically, for every one diagnosed case of melanoma, up to ten non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed – it causes <a href="https://theconversation.com/skin-cancer-more-people-die-from-types-that-arent-melanoma-surprise-new-finding-215378">almost as many deaths</a>. The reason for this is because it’s far more likely to spread, or metastasise, to other sites in the body compared to non-melanoma skin cancers.</p> <p>Melanoma arises in a type of pigment-producing skin cell called a <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/what-is-melanoma.html#:%7E:text=Melanoma%20is%20a%20type%20of,to%20grow%20out%20of%20control.">melanocyte</a>. These cells produce and export melanin in order to provide a protective layer in the skin which helps to screen out ultraviolet (UV) radiation.</p> <p>Mutations in genes that normally carefully regulate cell growth and survival override the controls that ensure the body only produces the cells it needs. The result is uncontrolled cellular growth, or a tumour, that normally appears as an unusual-looking mole.</p> <p>The mutations that drive the growth of a melanoma usually happen as a result of exposure to UV from the sun or from an artificial source, such as a tanning bed. We know this because when a melanoma’s genome is compared to that of a normal cell we can see a high number of mutations that have a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-1943-3">characteristic “UV signature”</a>. For this reason, melanoma skin cancers occur most frequently in people who have light-coloured skin and who are exposed to high amounts of UV.</p> <p>Non-melanoma skin cancers are also mainly caused by exposure to UV but arise from a different kind of skin cell called a keratinocyte. These are the cells that normally make up the majority of the outer part of our skin, called the epidermis. Cancers that arise from keratinocytes are less likely to spread than those that come from melanocytes – although <a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/non-melanoma-skin-cancer#heading-One">they can still be fatal</a>.</p> <p>In the duchess’s case, the melanoma was discovered during treatment for breast cancer. Her dermatologist recommended that some moles be removed for biopsy during breast reconstruction surgery. After testing, one was identified as malignant melanoma.</p> <p>If the results of the biopsy show that the cancer hasn’t spread, then like the majority of patients with melanoma, the duchess will be treated with surgery. In this case the tumour will be removed along with some of the surrounding normal skin.</p> <p>The amount of normal skin removed depends on the results of the biopsy – in particular, how deep into the skin the tumour has penetrated (called the <a href="https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/melanoma/staging-of-melanoma">Breslow thickness</a>). The normal skin will be checked for any signs that cancerous cells might have spread out of the tumour.</p> <p>For most people diagnosed with melanoma, particularly if it’s at an early stage, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK481850/">surgery will cure the cancer</a> and they will be able to go on with their lives. But for around <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8544364/">20% of patients</a>, additional treatment will be needed. This happens if their cancer has spread further into the body or if their cancer can’t be treated surgically. The <a href="https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.21.00686">good news</a> for these patients is that the past decade has seen huge improvements in treatment.</p> <p>Previously the only options other than surgery were radiotherapy or non-specific chemotherapy treatments. These treatments work by affecting the ability of cells to copy their DNA, which prevents them from duplicating and causes fast-growing cancer cells to die. But because these also affect the patient’s normal cells, they were accompanied by severe side effects – and were often ineffective.</p> <p>But we now have a better understanding of the specific changes melanoma makes to cell growth pathways. This has led to the development of drugs, such as <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2022/fda-dabrafenib-trametinib-braf-solid-tumors">dabrafenib</a> and <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Trametinib">trametinib</a>, that specifically target cells with these altered pathways. In other words, they only target the cancerous cells.</p> <p>These drugs are much more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapies – although about half of patients who initially respond to them relapse within a year. In these patients a few of the tumour cells survive by activating other pathways for growth and use these to <a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.30435">regrow the tumour</a>. Promisingly, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10417341/">a recent study</a> suggests that re-using these drugs after a period off them can have good results in relapsed patients.</p> <p>Another exciting development in the treatment of malignant melanoma has been the use of immunotherapies. These involve harnessing the patient’s own immune system to fight the tumour.</p> <p>One particularly successful immunotherapy approach for melanoma involves the use of drugs called checkpoint inhibitors. These prevent cancer cells from being able to hide from the body’s immune system. A <a href="https://www.ejcancer.com/article/S0959-8049(23)00694-9/fulltext">recent report</a> has highlighted how the introduction of these treatments has led to improved survival for melanoma patients.</p> <p>Although the duchess’s skin cancer was discovered while she was being treated for breast cancer, it’s unlikely that the two are related. A more likely risk factor is the duchess’s famous red hair. People with red hair and pale skin that tends to freckle and burn in the sun are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer because their skin produces <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/mc1r/#conditions">less melanin</a>. This means that their melanocytes are exposed to higher levels of UV and are more likely to undergo cancer-causing mutations.</p> <p>While melanoma is much more common in people with the duchess’s skin type, it’s important to be aware that anyone can get it. It’s a good idea to regularly check your skin for unusual looking moles and to contact a doctor for advice if you have a mole with any of the so-called <a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/melanoma/symptoms">ABCDE characteristics</a>: such as an asymmetrical shape, irregular, blurred or jagged border, uneven colour, is more than 6mm wide and is evolving (either in size, texture or even bleeding).<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/221647/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-allinson-137762">Sarah Allinson</a>, Professor, Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty </em><em>Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/sarah-ferguson-diagnosed-with-malignant-melanoma-here-are-the-latest-treatments-for-this-increasingly-common-skin-cancer-221647">original article</a>.</em></p>

Body

Fergie breaks silence amid second cancer battle

<p>Sarah Ferguson has broken her silence after it was revealed that she had been diagnosed with <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/fergie-reveals-second-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skin cancer</a> on Monday, her second form of cancer in just 12 months. </p> <p>The Duchess of York said she was in “good spirits” and thanked everyone for their support, in a post shared to Instagram. </p> <p>This comes just six months after Fergie had to undergo a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for her breast cancer. </p> <p>“I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery," she began in her post. </p> <p>“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was.</p> <p>“Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.</p> <p>“I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent," she continued. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2ZZI3AO-vt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2ZZI3AO-vt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She then shared her gratitude for the medical teams and her family for their support. </p> <p>“I am incredibly thankful to the medical teams that have supported me through both of these experiences with cancer and to the Mayrlife Clinic for taking gentle care of me in the past weeks, allowing me time for recuperation.</p> <p>“I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support.”</p> <p>Dermatologists raised the alarm regarding her melanoma after removing several moles from her body during reconstructive breast surgery. </p> <p>Just days after Christmas, the Duchess received her shock diagnosis that one of the moles was malignant. </p> <p>She has since been recuperating in Austria for the last few weeks.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Fergie reveals second cancer diagnosis

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with skin cancer, just six months after undergoing treatment for breast cancer. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess of York shared the health news via her spokesperson, while also urging people to undergo regular skin checks. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma," the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Her dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analysed at the same time as the duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The representative shared that Fergie was "undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages."</p> <p dir="ltr">"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," the representative added.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma."</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite being “distressed” by a second cancer diagnosis, the Duchess “remains in good spirits” throughout her recovery. </p> <p dir="ltr">The discovery of the skin cancer comes after Fergie revealed she had been diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer in June 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess of York announced a tumour had been found during a routine mammogram, for which she underwent a single mastectomy.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a 2023 wrap-up Instagram post, Fergie opened up about her breast cancer battle, confirming she had "beat" it after undergoing chemotherapy. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Fergie and Will share rare throwback pics on King Charles' birthday

<p>Well-wishes are flooding in for King Charles as he celebrates his momentous 75th birthday, with the joyous occasion prompting a wave of tributes from close family members, fans and even fellow European royals.</p> <p>As the monarch enters this significant chapter of his life, the festivities are coupled with a commitment to a noble cause, as he and Queen Camilla launch the Coronation Food Project, a philanthropic initiative aiming to address food waste and hunger across the UK.</p> <p>Prince William, the heir to the throne, took the lead in showering his father with warm wishes. On the official Prince and Princess of Wales' social media pages, Prince William shared a heartwarming throwback photo capturing a joyous moment on the slopes above the Swiss village of Klosters. The post also featured a solo shot of the birthday king and a delightful family picture, including Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wishing His Majesty The King a very happy 75th birthday!🎂 <a href="https://t.co/emO3gzXiRf">pic.twitter.com/emO3gzXiRf</a></p> <p>— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1724376246874718256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The British royal family's own social media platforms joined the celebration by commemorating the milestone birthday with a video chronicling the life of King Charles.</p> <p>Former sister-in-law Sarah Ferguson added her nostalgic touch to the well-wishing, sharing a flashback photo accompanied by a heartfelt message: "Wishing the happiest of birthdays to His Majesty, King Charles III. Long live the King."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CznnXf0KPCH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CznnXf0KPCH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Even the official Sandringham accounts dedicated a post to the royal celebration, sharing a photo of His Majesty on the estate along with a birthday message, "Wishing His Majesty The King a very Happy 75th Birthday from all at Sandringham!"</p> <p>Beyond the borders, European royals also joined the chorus of well-wishers. The Norwegian King, in particular, led the way by sharing photos from a 2012 visit on Instagram with a caption that read, "Happy birthday King Charles! We congratulate King Charles who today turns 75 years old."</p> <p>While the day was undoubtedly filled with celebration, King Charles and Queen Camilla are not taking a break from their duties. On this special day, the royal couple launched the Coronation Food Project, a new initiative that aims to address the dual challenges of food waste and food insecurity across the UK. By bridging the gap between surplus and need, the Coronation Food Project stands as a testament to the royal couple's commitment to both people and the planet.</p> <p>As King Charles reaches the significant milestone of his 75th birthday, the outpouring of well-wishes from family, friends and fans on social media reflects the respect and admiration he commands. The royal celebration is not just about festivities; it is also an opportunity to spotlight meaningful initiatives like the Coronation Food Project, underlining the monarchy's dedication to addressing pressing social issues. In this dual celebration of a life well-lived and a commitment to service, King Charles III's birthday becomes a moment of reflection and inspiration for both the royal family and the public alike.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram / X</em></p>

Family & Pets

Fergie opens up about cancer “paranoia”

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson has spoken candidly about feeling paranoid that her cancer would return. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess of York appeared on a UK morning show, and shared how she regularly wakes in the middle of night in a panic that she would “get cancer somewhere else”. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 64-year-old royal, who appeared on the show to talk about the importance of attending your regular mammogram appointments, said, “You start four in the morning syndrome.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“You know that moment when you suddenly wake up and go ‘oh I'm sure I've got cancer somewhere else... I'm gonna go and ring my doctor’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I'm getting over that but it's only been a few months since I've had the operation, so I'm just beginning to sit up straight.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess also opened up about feeling grateful that her diagnosis was caught early, and navigating the “feeling of demise” at the reality of living with cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I caught it so early, just in time,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The real thing is, it's that terrible fear of ‘oh no, it won't happen to me’... and that's why I want to shout about it. I wouldn't be sitting here if I hadn't have gone.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fergie admitted that she had been putting off her routine appointment, but her older sister, who was visiting her from Australia, pushed her to have the mammogram. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess added that she's “very grateful” to the Royal Free Hospital and the NHS, praising their detection systems.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I had a shadow, it was like a splat,” she explained. “Eighteen months before, it wasn't there. So it had come on from the last mammogram to this mammogram.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She also added she will “never forget” her drive from the hospital.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Your mind goes into, ‘oh my god I've got to have a mastectomy, and you look it up and it's all so terrifying and this is what's going to happen and then I'm not going to see my grandchildren grow up’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“That's what goes through your head... it's that feeling of demise.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Fergie reveals Queen Elizabeth's last words to her before she died

<p>Sarah Ferguson has revealed the last words Queen Elizabeth said to her before she passed away last September. </p> <p>The Duchess of York shared the details of the profound conversation with her former mother-in-law on her podcast <em>Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah.</em></p> <p>Fergie revealed that the late monarch noticed the Duchess had changed, and used their last conversation to encourage her authenticity. </p> <p>"It’s the last thing that the Queen said to me: ‘Just be yourself, Sarah,’” the duchess said.</p> <p>“And she saw it. She just got so annoyed when I wasn’t being myself. And that’s probably when I got into all the pickles. But now I am myself, and I’m just so lucky to be able to be myself,” she added.</p> <p>In an interview with <a href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/video/sarah-ferguson-talks-new-book-intriguing-lady-97676802" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ylk="slk:Good Morning America,;elm:context_link;itc:0" data-rapid_p="9" data-v9y="1"><em>Good Morning America</em>,</a> the Duchess of York had previously explained that, to some extent, the Queen’s death meant she could now be herself. </p> <p>“I don’t know whether it’s the Queen passing that makes me think I can now openly say what I want to say without worrying I’m going to offend somebody,” she said. “I’m really, truly authentic Sarah now.”</p> <p>She has also expressed her respect and admiration for the late monarch, as the duchess called her a “total idol” back in March. </p> <p>“She put you at ease straight away ... because it’s terrifying, you know?” she told <em><a href="https://people.com/royals/sarah-ferguson-fergie-idol-queen-elizabeth-adopting-corgis" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ylk="slk:People;elm:context_link;itc:0" data-rapid_p="10" data-v9y="1">People</a></em> about the late Queen. </p> <p>“I used to sit there for hours thinking: ‘Oh my gosh, this is somebody’s lifetime to have an audience with the Queen, and I’m sitting having a cup of tea.’”</p> <p>The Duchess continued, “She was so brilliant at putting you at ease. She had the most incredible faith of any single person I’ve ever met. She just knew what to do. She knew how to make people feel good. She never took it onboard as about her. It’s about the monarchy, about making someone feel good. She was my total idol.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

Charles Spencer shares rare photo in sad tribute to Princess Di

<p>Charles Spencer has shared a rare photo with his late sister Princess Diana in a sad tribute on the 26th anniversary of her death. </p> <p>The Earl took to Twitter, now known as X, to share a summertime throwback photo with the Princess when they were younger. </p> <p>Princess Diana looked very similar to her granddaughter Charlotte in an adorable pink dress, as she put her arm around her brother Charles. </p> <p>The Earl donned an all-blue look with a striped polo shirt and shorts. </p> <p>Although the Earl didn't caption the sentimental post, it racked up over 192,000 views with fans flooding the comment section with their love and support. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/jUhe7odlaL">pic.twitter.com/jUhe7odlaL</a></p> <p>— Charles Spencer (@cspencer1508) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspencer1508/status/1697062072025059367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>"Adorable photo. Diana was so lovely and I’m sure the best big sister, too. I grew up loving Diana like most of this world did. You help keep her goodness and spirit alive by being the person you are. Thank you for that," tweeted one person. </p> <p>"Lovely photo, very poignant. Must be a difficult day for you every year. X" another commented. </p> <p>"Thinking of you and all the family on the 26th anniversary of her untimely and tragic death. RIP Diana , a shining example of kindness, compassion and beauty. Never forgotten, always loved," commented a third. </p> <p>"I miss her being in the world. I’m so grateful you are here, doing a phenomenal job teaching the world about the Spencer family, grounding us all, connecting us to history. It gives us all a great deal of security. Thank you for your efforts," wrote a fourth. </p> <p>"Such a beautiful picture. Thinking of you and your family," commented another. </p> <p><em>Image: Twitter (X) </em></p>

Family & Pets

Location, Location, Location host loses both parents in tragic accident

<p>In heart-wrenching news has shaken the world of television, beloved <em>Location, Location, Location </em>host Phil Spencer has spoken out about the devastating loss of his parents in a tragic accident on their family farm.</p> <p>Spencer paid a somber tribute to his father Richard, known affectionately as David, aged 89, and his mother Anne, 82, who were both tragically lost.</p> <p>In a poignant display of love, Phil, now 53, shared an image of the couple and wrote: "Very sadly both of my amazing parents died on Friday.</p> <p>"As a family we are all trying to hold onto the fact Mum and Dad went together and that neither will ever have to mourn the loss of the other one. Which is a blessing in itself."</p> <p>Spencer went on to disclose the harrowing details surrounding the accident, giving a glimpse into the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day: "The car, going very slowly, toppled over a bridge on the farm drive, upside down into the river. There were no physical injuries and I very much doubt they would have even fought it - they would have held hands under the water and quietly slipped away.</p> <p>Spencer acknowledged the heroic efforts of his brother, who valiantly attempted to save their parents in the aftermath of the crash.</p> <p>"As many farmers do - my brother had a penknife and so was able to cut the seat belts - he pulled them out of the river but they never regained consciousness.</p> <p>"Although desperately sad and shocked beyond all belief - all family are clear that if there can ever be such a thing as having a 'good end' - this was it."</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Spencer also recalled a poignant conversation he had with his mother, a conversation now weighed down by the melancholy of hindsight: "Although they were both on extremely good form in the days before (hence the sudden idea to go out to lunch), Mums Parkinson's and Dads Dementia had been worsening and the long term future was set to be a challenge.</span></p> <p>"So much so that Mum said to me only a week ago that she had resigned to thinking 'now it looks like we will probably go together'. And so they did."</p> <p>As he concluded his heartfelt statement, Spencer mused on the overwhelming nature of their passing, acknowledging the future comfort that might come from the knowledge that they departed from a place they held dear.</p> <p>"It feels horrendous right now, but after almost 60 years of marriage - to die together on the farm they so loved will, I know, be a comfort in the future.</p> <p>"Mum Dad are together which is precisely where they would have wanted to be. ❤️"</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwKpOWJr4Wj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwKpOWJr4Wj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Phil Spencer (@philspencertv)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Kirstie Allsopp, Phil's co-host on <em>Location, Location, Location</em>, a dear friend, was among the first to respond, her words echoing the collective grief felt by many: "Such a brave and loving statement and so typical of you & your lovely family. So many people have you all in their thoughts and prayers. xxx"</p> <p>Tragically, David and Anne were en route to a local pub for lunch when their car veered off the access road, plunging into a shallow river on their estate.</p> <p>Emergency services, fire brigade and police attended the scene, and an air ambulance landing nearby at the Littlebourne farm in Kent.</p> <p>Despite efforts to save them, Richard succumbed at the hospital, with Anne following suit shortly thereafter.</p> <p>Kirstie reflected: “I’ve spoken to Phil and it’s tragic for the Spencer family, but his parents were together and that’s something that is a great source of solace to them all.</p> <p>“The family is very loving and close. There are four children, Phil, Robert, Caryn and Helen, and they had eight grandchildren.</p> <p>“This is awful for all of the family, but they were together at the end and they were lovely people."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

How Fergie's breast cancer became "an enormous friend"

<p>Sarah Ferguson has shared how she has turned her devastating diagnosis of breast cancer into a tool for resilience and strength. </p> <p>The Duchess of York, who was <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/sarah-ferguson-s-devastating-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diagnosed</a> with breast cancer after a routine mammogram in June, has described her illness as an "enormous friend" she uses as a "shield of protection".</p> <p>After publicly sharing the news of her diagnosis, Fergie said she has received an "outpouring of kindness" from members of the public, who have written her letters of well wishes. </p> <p>While recovering from her single mastectomy, the Duchess has been personally replying to the letters while watching the tennis and taking it easy. </p> <p>Speaking on her podcast <em>Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah</em>, which she hosts with her close friend Sarah Thomson, she said the personal letters have been very healing for her to read. </p> <p>"It's been great, staring this journey back to full health, sitting watching Wimbledon, great excuse, I also love to respond in hand-written letters to anyone that has been kind," the Duchess said.</p> <p>"I've written about 500 this week."</p> <p>Doctors first found the cancer after a routine mammogram earlier this year, which the Duchess almost put off.</p> <p>She was soon admitted to the King Edward VII's Hospital in London for a single mastectomy and is now recovering at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.</p> <p>Addressing the impact the breast cancer had had on her, she said, "People are asking me about this breast cancer".</p> <p>"I really feel this is really exciting, about having this enormous friend with me, who is now my friend, to such a degree I feel like a shield, like I've got a shield of protection, because it feels like it's definitely there to say we got this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Sarah Ferguson’s post-surgery update

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson has shared a post-surgery update on the latest episode of her podcast, following her shock <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/sarah-ferguson-s-devastating-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cancer diagnosis</a> last month.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess of York had a mastectomy at the King Edward VII's Hospital in late June after doctors discovered that she had breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I am so lucky, so lucky and I feel really supported," the Duchess said on <em>Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah</em>, which she hosts with her close friend and entrepreneur Sarah Thomson.</p> <p dir="ltr">She also shared how grateful she was and the life-changing impact the surgery has made.</p> <p dir="ltr">"There is so much kindness out there. I feel so grateful to this extraordinary operation.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's with me every day and I am really grateful because it keeps reminding me to do what I wish to do which is to bring more joy, more kindness, more positivity to the world, through this podcast."</p> <p dir="ltr">Her positive thinking did not fade as she opened about recovering at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, where she lives with her ex-husband, Prince Andrew.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Every time I think to myself, 'Oh my goodness, this is kind of wonderful, soon I might be able to wear a dress without a bra – that would be a first, I'd love that',” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I think to myself, 'Make the most of today, Sarah. I live every minute of the day, I take mini-steps, mini-steps to heal."</p> <p dir="ltr">Doctors found the cancer after a routine mammogram, and the Duchess almost immediately took action by undergoing a single mastectomy and a breast reconstruction, just days after the diagnosis.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said that the diagnosis and operation has "made me more bold, it's made me more courageous, to do this podcast, to say what I feel".</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"Ended for good": Prince William launches project inspired by Lady Di

<p>Prince William has launched his most ambitious project to date, announcing his plan to end homelessness in the UK within five short years. </p> <p>The Prince of Wales set out to visit six areas in the UK that experience different types of homelessness with a distinct set of challenges, outlining a detailed plan to see homelessness eradicated. </p> <p>On his two-day tour, the 41-year-old royal shared that his late mother, Princess Diana, was a big inspiration behind the project, after she helped open William's eyes to the nation-wide problem. </p> <p>In the south London borough of Lambeth, Prince William described how he was inspired by "heart-breaking" visits to shelters he made with his mother as a child. </p> <p>"My first visit to a homelessness shelter was when I was 11 with my mother," he told the Mosaic Clubhouse, which supports people with mental health problems.</p> <p>"The visits we made, left a deep and lasting impression."</p> <p>"I met so many extraordinary people and listened to so many heart-breaking personal stories. Too many people have found themselves without a stable and permanent place to call home."</p> <p>"Through these visits, I have seen first-hand the breadth and complexities of homelessness."</p> <p>William said he hoped the Homewards program would "inspire belief throughout the UK and beyond that homelessness can be ended for good".</p> <p>Prince William's Homewards program focuses on preventing homelessness before it begins, bringing together all organisations working in the sector to create solutions that target local challenges.</p> <p>The launch of the project, which was two years in the making, comes days before what would have been Diana's 62nd birthday on July 1st. </p> <p>A major focus of Homewards will be on providing homes to those who need them.</p> <p>"I am pleased to stand here today at the start of our path to ending homelessness," he said.</p> <p>"Over the next five years, I believe that we have a unique opportunity to develop innovative new solutions and scale tangible impact. This will inspire belief throughout the UK – and beyond – that homelessness can be ended for good."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Sarah Ferguson's devastating cancer diagnosis

<p>Sarah Ferguson is recovering at home after undergoing surgery to treat breast cancer. </p> <p>The Duchess of York was diagnosed with the cancer following a routine mammogram screening, with a spokesperson confirming the 63-year-old had undergone surgery.</p> <p>They went on to say her "prognosis is good", though it is unclear if the Duchess will require further treatment. </p> <p>In a statement shared early Monday morning, the spokesperson for the Duchess said she is resting in the Royal Lodge following her surgical intervention. </p> <p>"Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening," the statement reads. </p> <p>"She was advised she needed to undergo surgery which has taken place successfully."</p> <p>"The duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good. She is now recuperating with her family."</p> <p>The Duchess was treated at the private King Edward VII's Hospital in central London, where royal family members have been treated for many years. </p> <p>Fergie's spokesperson shared that the Duchess wanted to express her "immense gratitude" for the medical staff who helped her through her hospital stay. </p> <p>"She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening."</p> <p>Fergie has previously spoken about how cancer has devastated her family, sharing how her late father and melanoma and prostate cancer. </p> <p>She said, "I didn't know what to do to really fight for other people so they didn't have to go through cancer."</p> <p>"People around my age group don't talk about it… we are from a different generation where you don't express your feelings and you just get on with it, you know, stiff upper lip."</p> <p>"It's so crucial to get the message out that we are all listening… they are here to help you."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

“It’s the court of public opinion”: Sarah Ferguson condemns Phillip Schofield backlash

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson has spoken out against the wave of judgement directed at former This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield and the relationship scandal that swept the world. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 63-year-old Duchess of York was chatting to businesswoman Sarah Jane Thomson on her podcast, <em>Tea Talks</em>, when conversation turned to Schofield, and his controversial affair with a man - and co-worker - 30 years younger than him. </p> <p dir="ltr">When news of the affair broke, Schofield stepped down from his 20 year position as the face of This Morning. He later confessed to the Daily Mail that he had lied about the relationship, and <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/i-will-die-sorry-phillip-schofield-breaks-his-silence-on-his-career-ending-affair">informed <em>The Sun </em>that he was “not a groomer”</a>, despite public opinion.</p> <p dir="ltr">Criticism for the disgraced host flooded social media in the wake of the whole ordeal, with the story and its related rumours splashed across publications worldwide, and it was the backlash that Ferguson wanted to address, namely the idea of ‘cancel culture’ at the centre of it all. </p> <p dir="ltr">Thomson prompted the discussion by comparing social media’s take to a “huge game of Chinese whispers”, to which Ferguson responded that “it’s like the court of public opinion.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“And then [that can lead to] massive bullying to the point of extermination of a soul,” she added. “I don’t believe that anybody has that right to judge and exterminate a person’s own beliefs.”</p> <p dir="ltr">From there, Ferguson encouraged listeners not to leap to assumptions, as “we all have failings”. She asked that everyone instead take a moment “or make a cup of tea before you judge another human being without knowing all the facts”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We don’t know the facts,” she pointed out. “We certainly don’t know what people get up to.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Thomson had her own thoughts to share on the matter, noting that “the problem is, when you’re in the public eye, any failing you make is there to be talked about, and the rest of us don’t have that. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We don't have that deep examining of where we've gone wrong, and then it's reflected over and over and over.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And while the two had made their point, Ferguson took a moment to discuss a - in her opinion “spot on” - article by Jeremy Clarkson for the<em> Sunday Times</em>, in which he wrote about the public’s race to condemn Schofield.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve never seen a witch-hunt like it,” he said, “and what baffles me most of all is that, as things stand, no crime has been committed. I don’t know him at all well and have no skin in the game, but it seems to me he is only guilty of being what he said he was: gay.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In the article, Clarkson went on to note that the age gap between Schofield and his partner in the affair was receiving a different degree of attention to heterosexual stars in similar relationship situations - from the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, who frequently dates women significantly younger than himself, and Al Pacino’s 54-year age gap with his pregnant partner.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Phil is no longer the genial host of some morning-time televisual cappuccino froth,” Clarkson surmised. “According to the people's court of social media, he's like his brother, a nonce.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Relationships

Sarah Ferguson’s emotional reaction to Princess Eugenie's baby name

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson has shared her initial reaction to the moment when her daughter, Princess Eugenie, revealed that she had named her second son after the duchess’ late father.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is the Princess’ second child with her husband Jack Brooksbank, and the couple <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/princess-eugenie-welcomes-her-second-child" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed their baby’s name</a> earlier this week, following his birth on May 30.</p> <p dir="ltr">His name, Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank, pays tribute to both Ferguson’s late father, Major Ronald Ferguson, and Jack’s father, George.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking on her new podcast <em>Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah</em>, Ferguson revealed that she was in the middle of shopping for her new grandson, when Princess Eugenie told her the sweet news.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He's a very, very seriously beautiful little boy. And of course everybody says that, but of course he is,” she gushed.</p> <p dir="ltr">"When Jack and Eugenie told me it was so moving that they'd put my dad in there. It was very kind I thought.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It made me cry, of course…at the time, I'd popped into a children's shop and bought some little blue booties and that's when she told me," Ferguson revealed.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an earlier post, Ferguson shared an image of Ernest with the caption: “Amazing..the importance of Ernest thank you so much… clever Eugenie and Jack and August Brooksbank…”</p> <p dir="ltr">She also revealed that she’s called "Gee Gee" by her grandchildren.</p> <p dir="ltr">A snippet of the podcast was shared on Ferguson’s Instagram, and many have taken to the comments to share their joy.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtOH5sdq4OB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtOH5sdq4OB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations! What a blessing a new baby is…especially grandchildren!” wrote one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I saw the picture Eugenie posted and he is a seriously beautiful baby! You have every right to say that. Congratulations Granny!” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations!! Being called GG is perfect for Sarah; a modern & fun twist on grandmother, just like herself,” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ernest is Ferguson’s third grandchild. She has one granddaughter, Sienna, from Princess Beatrice and two grandsons August, and Ernest, from Princess Eugenie.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

"My life has changed again": Succession star's heart-warming news

<p>Sarah Snook has announced the birth of her first child in an adorable Instagram post. </p> <p>The <em>Succession</em> star shared the news just hours after the highly-anticipated series finale, as she penned an emotional tribute to the show. </p> <p>The 35-year-old, who is best known for playing Shiv Roy on the Emmy-dominating series, reflected on the show drawing to a close, as she featured a surprise guest in her post.</p> <p>In it, she and her baby – her first with husband Dave Lawson – are seen sitting in front of the TV, ready to watch the final episode.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs0_4Zgv_0z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs0_4Zgv_0z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Snook (@sarah_snook)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“It’s hard to express what this show has meant to me. The places I got to go, the immense talent I got to work with … it breaks my heart that it is all over,” Snook wrote in the caption.</p> <p>“But my heart had to be this full of all the memories, good times, challenges and triumphs, to be able to break at all … so that makes me grateful. To have been blessed to join this crazy adventure of a show will be a career highlight, which will no doubt be hard to top."</p> <p>“The friendships, the scripts, the locations, the one-liners, the early mornings, the last-minute changes, all the highs and lows: I’m going to miss it all.” </p> <p>She added, “It’s the people I will miss most of all. I just watched the final episode of the final season of something that has changed my life. And now, my life has changed again. Thank you for all the love and support.”</p> <p>Snook first revealed her pregnancy in March, showing off her baby bump at the season four premiere of <em>Succession</em> New York. </p> <p>She told media on the red carpet she was 32 weeks pregnant, adding, “It’s exciting! I feel great.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

Fergie breaks her silence on coronation snub

<p>Sarah Ferguson has opened up about not being invited to the coronation of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla. </p> <p>Last week, the Duchess of York revealed she did not receive an invitation to the crown of His Majesty, due to take place in Westminster Abbey on May 6th. </p> <p>Fergie is not among the 2,000 people expected to attend, despite knowing the king since she was a child. </p> <p>Instead, she is expected to watch the event on TV at Royal Lodge, which she shares with disgraced ex Prince Andrew.</p> <p>Speaking candidly on <em>Good Morning Britain</em>, Fergie shared the exact reasoning she wasn't invited. </p> <p>She said, “I‘m not invited because it’s a state occasion. Being divorced you can’t have it both ways."</p> <p>“I am enjoying being divorced to my husband - not from my husband."</p> <p>“I am close with King Charles and Camilla. The great thing at this moment is the unity of family."</p> <p>“In private I can be there. It‘s a great feeling to be part of the family.”</p> <p>Earlier this month, she told ITV1’s <em>Loose Women</em> she always planned to watch the Coronation on TV.</p> <p>She said, “I will be having a little tea room and putting out the bunting. I love to watch it on the telly because the commentators are always good.”</p> <p>Despite not being invited to the ceremony, the Duchess will have a seat on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle 24 hours after the ceremony.</p> <p>She will be joined at the bash by other royals believed to include daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, plus 20,000 lucky ticket holders.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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