Duchess Sarah smells the flowers after year of recovery

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York has endured an "extraordinary" 12 months.

The 65-year-old has taken to social media to thank her followers for their birthday wishes, reflecting on a period "of recovery and of growth" in her life.

The duchess, who underwent surgery after being diagnosed "with an early form of breast cancer" in 2023 - wrote on Instagram: "Thank you for all of your wonderful birthday wishes!"

"I'm feeling incredibly grateful to be here every day, to smell the flowers, to read and write, and to be able to see my daughters and my grandchildren.

"It has been an extraordinary, full year - a year of recovery and of growth - and I just feel so lucky. Thank you again to all of you who made it so and who took the time to send me birthday wishes," she wrote, ending the message with a heart emoji.

In 2023 a representative for the duchess revealed she was "recuperating with her family" after having surgery.

"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 rep told People.

Duchess Sarah underwent the procedure at King Edward VII hospital in central London.

"The duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good," the rep added.

"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."