Conspiracy theories surrounding the Princess of Wales in recent months are the “curse of being a modern royal”, a former Palace aide has claimed.
The royal, 42, announced in an emotional video message that she will undergo “preventive” chemotherapy after cancer was discovered following her major abdominal surgery earlier this year.
The news followed weeks of cruel speculation on platforms such as X, Instagram and TikTok, where trolls shared mocking posts and memes about his whereabouts.
speaking to PEOPLEmyA former Palace aide said the level of interest in Kate’s health was a “complex reaction”.
They explained: ‘There was no bad intention. But it unleashed a repressed feeling that people wanted information; Unfortunately, that is the curse of being a modern royal.”
The Princess of Wales revealed she is battling cancer in an emotional video filmed in Windsor earlier this month.
The princess’s announcement sparked humiliation from the likes of left-wing journalist Owen Jones and actress Blake Lively, who expressed regret over reckless comments they had made online.
Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code who collaborated with Meghan Markle on a campaign to change the perception of mothers on television, said she felt “disgusted” with herself for joining the speculation about Kate.
They were joined by dozens of social media users and TikTok influencers who apologized for reveling in vile conspiracy theories and said they felt “guilty” and “terrible” now that they knew the real reason for Kate’s absence from the public life.
But many more were quick to cover their tracks by deleting evidence of their previous posts. Others remained silent, with critics pounced on people like Kim Kardashian and demanded they apologize for mocking the princess.
Earlier this month, Kardashian shared a photo of herself getting into a car with the caption, “On my way to pick up Kate.”
Critical comments began to pile up under the post, with one follower writing: “I think an apology is in order!” and another telling him ‘you should probably take this down’.
Owen Jones was one of a number of high-profile figures to speculate about Kate’s whereabouts.
Reacting to a post on Ok, now I’m totally on board the Kate Middleton truth train.”
The Princess of Wales, who recently announced she has cancer, pictured during an engagement in Scarborough in November 2022.
Kim Kardashian shared this image on Instagram earlier this month with the caption: “On my way to find Kate.”
Critical comments have begun to pile up under the post, calling for the television personality to apologize.
Blake Lively previously shared this obviously manipulated image of herself to promote her beverage brand.
The actress is among a small number of high-profile figures who have apologized for their comments.
He then responded: “This is crazy” when another X user shared evidence that the image was Photoshopped.
Later, reacting to the announcement of the ‘death’ of the new agency AFP, he wrote: ‘I’m already so obsessed with this, OMG!!’
Jones then expressed doubts about a photo of Kate and Prince William together in a car that was shared the next day, commenting: “You’ve got to be kidding me.” That’s not a public appearance. Choo choo! All aboard the Kate Middleton Express!
He tweeted: “As someone who speculated about this without considering it could be a serious health condition, I’m really embarrassed to be honest, and all the best to her.”
Meanwhile, Blake Lively shared her regret for a reckless Photoshop jibe before Kate’s diagnosis was revealed.
He had previously shared an obviously edited photo of himself alongside a post promoting his beverage brand.
The 36-year-old said last week: “I’m sure no one cares today, but I feel like I have to admit it.” I made a silly post about the ‘Photoshop fail’ frenzy and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I’m sorry. Sending love and good wishes to everyone, always.’
Last week, Queen Camilla revealed during a walk in Shrewsbury that her daughter-in-law is “delighted” by the support she has received from the public.
Responding to a royal fan holding a sign reading “send our love to Kate”, the Queen replied: “I know Catherine is delighted with all the kind wishes and support.”