A former palace adviser says the frenzy of conspiracy theories surrounding the Princess of Wales is “the worst he has ever seen”.
Paddy Harverson, who was previously the official spokesman for King Charles and Prince William, said “it’s a bit of a permanent fatalistic cycle” amid shameless trolls spreading bizarre new posts about Kate’s brave cancer video.
Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday show with Laura Kuenssberg, Harverson said social and traditional media “feed on themselves”.
The emotional video of Kate sitting on a park bench telling the world about her diagnosis has touched the hearts of the nation and was supposed to end months of frantic online speculation about her whereabouts and health.
However, bizarre conspiracy theories continue as cruel trolls spread ridiculous speculation that Kate’s video was generated by AI.
The Princess of Wales’ emotional video of her sitting on a park bench telling the world about her cancer diagnosis has touched the nation’s hearts, but cruel trolls are spreading the ridiculous theory that it is AI-generated.
Former palace adviser Paddy Harverson said the speculation and pressure over Kate’s health and whereabouts is “the worst I have ever seen in my life.”
Harverson, who was an advisor to Prince William during his courtship with Princess Kate during the early years of their relationship, said of the speculation and pressure that has increased in recent months about his health and whereabouts: “It’s kind of a permanent sentence.” “. loop,’ he said. “And it’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Speaking about Kate’s emotional video statement filmed in the gardens of Windsor Castle, he added: “I’m absolutely convinced that if we hadn’t had all the madness and social media, if we hadn’t had the kind of Mother’s Day photo Damn mistake, they would still have done it like that.’
The video has been reposted on social media by cruel trolls with Princess Diana and Meghan Markle’s face superimposed on Kate’s in an attempt to “prove” the simplicity of creating a deepfake video.
Theories posted on
A community note, allowing contributors to comment on the accuracy of the posts, soon appeared beneath the message that read: “This is another ridiculous conspiracy theory.” What you see is a reflection on the varnished surface of the bench.’
Claims that a seven-year-old video appearing to show Kate wearing the same jumper was used as a template to create the AI have also been ridiculed by social media users.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, posted a message of support for Kate following her announcement on Friday night.
He called his video “brave,” which was “delivered by Princess Kate with her signature grace.”
Yaccarino wrote: “Your request for privacy, to protect your children and allow you to move forward (without endless speculation) seems like a reasonable request that must be respected.”
However, some were left incandescent with rage at Yaccarino’s tweet and called her a hypocrite.
Former BBC journalist Simon McCoy said: “Their platform has been used to promote conspiracy theories… and worse.” Your hypocrisy is astonishing.
Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday show with Laura Kuennsberg, Harverson said social and traditional media “feed on themselves”.
The theories – dubbed #KateGate – became frantic after the publication of a photograph on her official social media channels on the occasion of Mother’s Day, when it became clear that the image had been modified with Adobe Photoshop.
Kate, 42, will now retreat to the sanctuary of her family home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, with Prince William and their children “to isolate themselves from the world”, no doubt hoping to be left alone in her fight against the disease. .
Prince William and Princess Kate pictured with their three children Prince George (left), Princess Charlotte (right) and Prince Louis (centre) at Anmer Hall in Norfolk for their 2020 Christmas card.
Princess Kate and her family have found refuge at their Anmer Hall home (pictured) while she undergoes cancer treatment.
Another added: “It’s ridiculous that while fighting cancer, Kate has to make a video like this because of the rampant conspiracy theories and the trolls who perpetuate them.”
Bruce Daisley, former head of Twitter in the UK and Europe, said Sunday weather He said the “most serious issue” was how X’s algorithms promote untrustworthy content.
“It’s noticeably more powerful since (Elon) Musk arrived,” he said.
‘The truth is that Musk doesn’t care. He has shown that he doesn’t think about the consequences of anything he does.’
Damian Collins, the Conservative MP who previously chaired the digital, culture, media and sport committee, said: “The problem with these platforms is that they recommend content to get engagement and get people’s attention to make money from it.”
“And if a clickbait story, based on conspiracy theories, gets people’s attention, then they are more interested in that than in promoting news,” he said.
The theories, dubbed #KateGate, became frantic after the publication of a photograph on her official social media channels on the occasion of Mother’s Day, when it became clear that the image had been modified with Adobe Photoshop.
Several photo agencies issued rare “takedown” notices on the photo because it had been substantially altered, and aspiring online sleuths pointed out flaws in the photograph, which Kate said she edited herself.
Things didn’t get any better when photo agency Getty Images later said that an image of Queen Elizabeth II sitting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, also taken by Kate, had been “digitally enhanced at source.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen together last week while William attended the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.
The Princess of Wales movingly revealed how she reassures her young children amid her battle with cancer following the announcement that she is battling the disease.
In her statement, she said she and Prince William explained the situation to their children George, Charlotte and Louis, after the ‘enormous shock’ of her diagnosis.
Princess Catherine said she had told them she was “doing well and getting stronger every day” and was “focusing on the things that will help me heal.”
In a televised speech, the future queen revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing successful abdominal surgery in January, and that doctors had advised her to undergo preventive chemotherapy.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be “hugely moved” and “extremely touched” by the public’s warmth and support following the announcement of Kate’s cancer.
There has been huge support from around the world, including from the King, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, political figures and members of the public.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Saturday: “The Prince and Princess are hugely touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’s message.” .
“They are very touched by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for their understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”