Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with skin cancer just months after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
A spokesperson for the royal, aged 64, confirmed the news to the Guardian.
Ferguson was formerly married to Prince Andrew.
"Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York, has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma," the spokesperson said.
"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.
"She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages."
Malignant melanoma is a serious and aggressive form of skin cancer.
"Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the duchess remains in good spirits," the spokesperson said.
"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.
"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."
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