Sarah Ferguson has revealed that she lovingly renamed her reconstructed breast “Derek” after having life-saving mastectomy surgery.
The 63-year-old ex-wife of Prince Andrew referred to her new left breast as her “best friend” who protects her with his “shield of armour”.
She explained on her Tea Talks podcast with co-host Sarah Thomson: “I am just coming to terms with my new best friend Derek, on my left, he’s called Derek.
“He’s very important because he saved my life.”
Asked why chose the name Derek, the duchess replied: “I don’t know.
“It just made me laugh that I have now a friend who is with me all the time who is protecting me with his shield of armour.”
“Poor Eric on the right is feeling rather sad because he is not as perky as Derek on the left but I will get Eric balanced, don’t worry.”
It came after the Duchess of York thanked the public after revealing her breast cancer diagnosis.
“Thank you so much for such kindness and support,” she wrote.
At the time of her surgery a spokesperson said: “The duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good.
“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.”
