Kate Middleton receives messages of 'love and support' after cancer diagnosis, as Internet urges Royals, gossipers to ‘feel shame’

The Princess of Wales' intimate health news has social media readers pointing the finger at Kensington Palace — and themselves

Chris Stoodley
·Lifestyle and News Editor
Updated ·7-min read

As Kate Middleton shares news of her cancer diagnosis, a range of reactions from social media users have been pouring in.

On Friday, the Princess of Wales revealed in a video filmed by BBC Studios that after undergoing abdominal surgery in London in January, it was believed her condition was non-cancerous.

"The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present," the 42-year-old explained in the video, which has already been viewed more than 30 million times on X, previously known as Twitter.

"My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."

She went on to explain how the news "came as a huge shock" for her and her family.

William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.Catherine, Princess of Wales

She signed off her message saying she looks forward to returning to work but is focusing on "making a full recovery."

"At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer," she noted. "For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."

In response to the video, King Charles shared his support to Kate, according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.

The Independent reported he was "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did" and he has "remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks."

PM Trudeau, U.K. PM Sunak share words of support

Since the video went live, social media users — including public officials like U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — spread their words of encouragement for the Princess of Wales.

Online rumours and conspiracy theories about Kate's whereabouts have been spreading for weeks, most of which were fuelled even further after an edited photo of the Princess of Wales was published on Mother's Day in the U.K.

Kensington Palace under fire: 'Handled so poorly'

That spurred some people online to share criticism towards the Royal Family and Kensington Palace, centred around how the entire situation regarding Kate's wellbeing was "poorly handled" for several weeks.

Social media users admit shame, call out conspiracy theories

Prior to Kate's video being released, celebrities like Jimmy Kimmel and Jamie Lee Curtis shared similar sentiments. During his March 21 monologue on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," the late night host urged people to "leave this woman alone." The following morning, Curtis wrote on Instagram pleading people to stop spreading conspiracy theories, noting, "This is a human being with young children."

Several people also took to X to express dismay towards people who have been spreading rumours about Kate for weeks.

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