Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has had surgery following a diagnosis of breast cancer.
According to The Mirror, it is understood that she received the diagnosis after a routine mammogram.
She is currently recovering at home with her family following the operation.
Read more: Sarah Ferguson opens up about heartbreaking reason she split from Prince Andrew
Her representatives told The Mirror that the the former wife of Prince Andrew feels that her experience "underlines the importance of regular screening."
The surgery the royal underwent, at King Edward VII hospital in Marylebone, Central London, was successful.
A spokesperson told The Mirror: "Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening.
"She was advised she needed to undergo surgery which has taken place successfully.
"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.
"The Duchess wants to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days.
"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."
A friend of Fergie's told The Irish Sun that the royal is very grateful to the medical team who looked after her throughout.
A friend said: "It's been a difficult time but she is very grateful to the medical staff who carried out the mammogram and detected it early and the medical staff who looked after her these last few days, she is incredibly thankful."
The Duchess wed Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh, at Westminster Abbey on July 23, 1986, where they were given the titles Duke and Duchess of York, but later announced their separation on March 19, 1992.
They share two children together - Beatrice Elizabeth Mary was born on August 8, 1988, and Eugenie Victoria Helena, born on March 23, 1990.
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