7 JANUARY 2003
Princess Michael of Kent has revealed that being diagnosed with skin cancer made her feel "put out" rather than frightened.

"People tend to panic at the mention of the word cancer, but I wasn't upset or frightened when the doctor told me," she said in an interview. "I've always covered up in the sun and it seemed so ridiculous that I developed cancer despite taking precautions."

The Princess, who is married to the Queen's cousin Prince Michael of Kent, went on to say the experience had actually instilled in her a deep sense of gratitude. "This cancer isn't life-threatening so I consider myself to be very fortunate. In the course of my charity work I meet so many people who have suffered terribly – what I've got really isn't an issue."

When the Princess first noticed a spot of red skin on her face she simply covered it up with make-up, thinking it was just a sign of age. Another patch developed on her right leg, however, and when she discovered a third on her right arm she decided to consult a doctor.

"The patches I had were like mini-craters: raised dark pink circles with a dip in them," said the elegant royal, who insists she wasn't worried about being left with a scar. "At my age one gets beyond the stage of minding the way I would have 20 years ago," she said.

The mark on her nose is barely noticeable, however, thanks to the work of a renowned New York surgeon. "I have a little scar but I can conceal it with make-up and now I'm happy as a clam!"