Sarah Ferguson Recaps ‘Ups and Downs’ in New Year’s Post: ‘I Beat Breast Cancer’

“I am 64 and just getting started,” the Duchess of York wrote in her lengthy Instagram message

Sarah Ferguson rang in the new year by recapping her eventful 2023 marked by “ups and downs.”

The Duchess of York, who recently made her first appearance at the royal family's Christmas walk to church since the early 1990s, wrote a lengthy Instagram message on New Year’s Eve about her breast cancer diagnosis and her outlook for 2024.

“I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday celebrations today,” Fergie, 64, wrote alongside a photo of herself. “2023 hasn’t been without its ups and downs, trials, lessons, laughter, miracles and joy.”

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One of Fergie’s “downs” was being diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer, which her representative told PEOPLE in June was detected during a routine mammogram screening.

“I beat breast cancer,” Fergie said in her NYE message, “and now I have got a Derek on my left.” After successfully undergoing a mastectomy earlier this year, Fergie named her reconstructed left breast “Derek.”

Among Fergie’s “ups” was publishing A Most Intriguing Lady in March. “I made the Sunday Times Top 5 bestseller list for my historical romance novel … I have a new grandchild!!!”

Fergie celebrated that grandchild — Princess Eugenie’s son Ernest George Ronnie — this summer in a congratulatory note to her daughter and her husband, Jack Brooksbank. “Such a total joy to our hearts ... our new little lion cub,” Fergie wrote on the note, which was shared on the Instagram fan account Royal Addicted Replies.

The baby, born May 30, joined the couple's firstborn son, August, 2. Ernest is the third grandchild of Fergie and ex-husband Prince Andrew, who divorced in 1996. Their elder daughter, Princess Beatrice, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, are parents to 2-year-old daughter Sienna. Edo also shares a young son, Christopher Woolf, with his ex-girlfriend Dara Huang.

Last month, Fergie opened up to PEOPLE about how her grandchildren were a source of joy amid her cancer treatment and recovery. “My grandchildren have been spectacular healers. Joy and laughter can be powerful tools when it comes to healing,” she said.

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Fergie concluded her reflective NYE post by telling her followers she’s “just getting started.”

“I have had the pleasure of meeting some very inspiring people from around the world with beautiful stories to tell,” she said.

“I have discovered within myself that I, too, have more stories to tell. I am 64 and just getting started. I hope everyone takes time to reflect and to look forward with love and positivity. Happy New Year, #2024!” 

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