The Crown star Josh O’Connor has reacted to the Princess of Wales’ shocking cancer diagnosis and slammed “sad” conspiracy theorists online.
The Princess of Wales, 42, announced last week in an emotional video message that she will undergo “preventive” chemotherapy after cancer was discovered following major abdominal surgery earlier this year.
Last night, actor Josh O’Connor, who played King Charles in seasons three and four of The Crown, attended the premiere of his new movie Challengers in Sydney, Australia, with his co-stars Zendaya and Mike Faist.
speaking to 9honeyThe actor, 33, from Cheltenham, said he “always feels very sorry” that the Royal Family has to make public statements at difficult times like this.
He said: ‘I know it’s part of their job, but they were born for it. And the way everyone talked about Kate seemed really sad to me.”
Pictured: Josh O’Connor attends the premiere of his new film Challengers in Syndey last night.
“But I just hope she’s okay and that everyone is thinking of her and sending her well wishes.”
Kate’s announcement that she has cancer followed weeks of cruel speculation on platforms like X, Instagram and TikTok, where trolls shared mocking posts and memes about her whereabouts.
The news 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.”
Last Friday, the Princess of Wales announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer in an emotional video message.
Pictured: Josh O’Connor with Olivia Colman starring in the fourth season of Netflix’s television drama The Crown.
Critical comments have begun 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.”
He then responded: “This is crazy” when another X user shared evidence that the image was Photoshopped.
Later, reacting to the AFP agency’s ‘death’ announcement, he wrote: ‘I’m already so obsessed with this, OMG!!’
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.
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 drinks 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.’
Today, 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.”