Health shock for the Royal Family

Duchess Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York—who is currently in the headlines due to the Epstein files—underwent an eight-hour mastectomy last July. However, during follow-up surgery last month, dermatologists removed several moles, one of which was identified as malignant melanoma.

Following the diagnosis, the 64-year-old Duchess will undergo further tests to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of her body.

The news of the diagnosis has further shaken the Royal Family, coming as the King prepares to undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate.

A spokesperson for the Duchess stated, "Following her diagnosis with early-stage breast cancer earlier this summer, the Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Her dermatologist asked for several moles to be 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. Further investigations are being carried out to ensure that this is in the early stages. Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits."

The Duchess reportedly received the news shortly after spending Christmas with her family at Sandringham. Since then, she has been recuperating at a medical spa in Austria.

The Duchess's treatment will be overseen by Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr. Andrew Furness at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and Consultant Dermatologist Catherine Borysiewicz at the King Edward VII Hospital.