Sarah Ferguson attended the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday, May 23, and despite looking "dazzling," the ex-royal "had a moment" while addressing an audience on stage. Fergie kept telling the gathered attendees to "be quiet" and "to stop" as she fumbled with her microphone and "made odd faces."
The presentation was to thank artist Simon de Pury, whose portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II fetched some 405,000 pounds for charity.
"Quiet!" she exclaimed. "Because the incredible person Simon de Pury has done an amazing job tonight, this is exceptional, and all I want to say to everyone in this room is stop, stop, stop."
Fergie then shared with the crowd: "Did you see I removed the microphone because all of you are saying 'I want to go, because where is the next party? What are we meant to be doing next?' But what I want to say is why are we here? What is the future, and why are we not making our planet better for the youth of tomorrow?"
Ferguson concluded: "I am so sorry that we have completely destroyed your planet, but thanks to amFAR and these people with scientific brilliance."
Earlier she told a reporter: "This evening I am doing very well," the author shared on the red carpet while wearing a "stunning" and "whispy" Lilith Cocktail Dress. "I think that we've managed to get cancer in the right place, rather than cancer ruling me."
"I've put cancer in the corner," she added. "I think you always have to be aware. I think it's great to get checked for b----- cancer [and] melanoma. I think you just have to be very candid about it. I think a lot of people get very frightened to talk about these things. I'm very happy with my mastectomy and my b------, and just to talk about it."
The Duchess of York underwent a mastectomy in June 2023 to correct a previous b------ cancer diagnosis before being hit with the news of skin cancer shortly after last Christmas. Her former Royal Highness was also asked about the state of King Charles III and Kate, Princess of Wales' cancer battles, to which she offered words of hope.
"I think family unity is key… I think the key to life is that we all support each other," she continued. "And also forgiveness is a great thing. I think forgiveness of yourself and forgiveness of others."
On March 25, Ferguson shared a "touching" post on her Instagram in which she commended the future queen's courage for speaking candidly about her illness. "All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment. I know she will be surrounded by the love of her family and everyone is praying for the best outcome."
GBN reported on Ferguson's presentation.