Sarah Ferguson reveals it was a 'special gift' to share her storybooks with her grandchildren – as she battles cancer alongside King Charles

Sarah Ferguson has spoken of how sharing her children's books with her grandchildren has been a 'special gift' – as she battles cancer alongside King Charles.

The Duchess of York, 64, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in January after undergoing breast cancer surgery last year.

Last night, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will step back from his public duties while he undergoes treatment.

Earlier this week, Sarah Ferguson opened up about her relationship with her three grandchildren when she posted to her Instagram to commemorate Children's Author's Week.

Prince Andrew's ex-wife has written 35 books over the past thirty years, including fifteen children's books.

Pictured: Princess Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson and Princess Eugenie seen taking part in King Charles' The Big Help Out last year

The Duchess wrote: 'I feel very fortunate that as a mother and now as a grandmother I can call myself a children's book author!

'Creating magic with my girls when they were young has brought many of the characters from my children's books to life.

“To now be able to share that with my grandchildren and with children around the world has been an incredibly special gift.

“Every time I pick up one of my children's books, I feel all that precious time together.”

The Duchess became a grandmother for the third time in May 2023 when her youngest daughter Princess Eugenie – who had her son in 2021 – announced the arrival of baby Ernest.

Princess Beatrice shares daughter Sienna with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and is also stepmother to his son Wolfie.

Sarah's post received more than 9,200 likes and fans praised her writing.

“What a wonderful gift for the next generation,” said one. Another said: 'I love your books!'

Fergie's skin cancer diagnosis has made her 'think about her life and mortality', a source recently claimed

In the photo: Princess Eugenie's eldest son, August, was seen laying a loving hand on his brother Ernest in June 2023

A third said: 'My son (who is now 32) loved Budgie the little helicopter, we had story books and play sets.

“Read stories over and over again. Nice to see that you create wonderful memories for children and parents with your books!'

Prince Harry's father called him personally to tell him the devastating news about his cancer and the Duke of Sussex jumped on a plane so he could be in Britain later today.

A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British Royal Family was spotted arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and it is claimed it had boarded the earliest flight and could be in London by lunchtime.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'I am sure Harry will now put the past aside on this serious issue. The Royal Family – including the Sussexes – is so important that everyone is moving in the right direction.”

The King spent last night at home in London after starting outpatient treatment for cancer – as family and friends revealed the monarch remains 'tremendously positive' following his bombshell diagnosis.

Buckingham Palace released this photo of King Charles last night as it emerged the monarch had been diagnosed with cancer

Days after Christmas, the Duchess was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Pictured: Sarah Ferguson attends the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023

Fergie's skin cancer diagnosis has made her 'think about her life and mortality', a source recently claimed.

She praised her dermatologist for discovering malignant melanoma – an aggressive form of skin cancer – just months after undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

The mother of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie admitted the second diagnosis was a 'shock', but revealed she was now in 'good spirits' and grateful for the many messages of love and support.

Via an Instagram post, she revealed that she was now taking some time for herself, having been diagnosed after several moles were removed during reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy in June.

One of them was diagnosed with cancer and is now undergoing further medical checks to ensure the cancer is detected at an early stage.

She added that her experience underlined the importance of checking new moles and urged anyone who read her post to “be diligent.”

Melanoma: the most dangerous form of skin cancer

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It happens after the DNA in skin cells is damaged (usually due to harmful UV rays) and then left unrepaired, causing mutations that can form malignant tumors.

Causes

Sun exposure: UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds are harmful to the skin
Birthmarks: The more moles you have, the greater the risk of developing melanoma
Skin type: Fairer skin has a higher risk of developing melanoma
Hair color: Red heads are more at risk than others
Personal history: If you have ever had melanoma, you are more likely to get it again
Family history: If previous relatives have been diagnosed, it increases your risk

Therapy

This can be done by removing the entire part of the tumor or by having the surgeon remove the skin layer by layer. When a surgeon removes it layer by layer, it helps him figure out exactly where the cancer ends so he doesn't have to remove more skin than necessary.

If discoloration or a dent is left during the operation, the patient may decide to use a skin graft.

Immunotherapy, radiation or chemotherapy:

This is necessary if the cancer reaches stage III or IV. This means that the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

Prevention

Use sunscreen and don't burn
Avoid tanning outside and in beds
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside
Keep newborns out of the sun
Examine your skin every month
See your doctor every year for a skin exam

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society

The Duchess wrote: 'I have been taking some time for 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 last summer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. surgery.

'Thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist, the melanoma was discovered when it occurred.

'Of course a new cancer diagnosis was a shock, but I am upbeat and grateful for the many messages of love and support.

'I believe my experience underlines the importance of monitoring the size, shape, color and texture and the appearance of new moles that could be a sign of melanoma, and urge anyone reading this to be diligent.

'I am incredibly grateful to the medical teams who have supported me throughout both of these cancer experiences, and to the MAYRLIFE clinic for the gentle care they have taken of me over the past few weeks, allowing me time for recovery. I am now resting at home with family and feel blessed to have their love and support.”

Privately, the Duchess is coming to grips with the news, with a source close to her telling MailOnline that it 'feels like the worst icing on the cake' after the trials of the past year.