To get free, real-time breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our breaking news emails
Sign up for our free breaking news emails
Celebrities and public figures expressed their regret over their participation in the online program “Where's Kate?” Speculation after the Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer.
In an emotional video released on Friday, Kate Middleton revealed that she underwent chemotherapy after having major abdominal surgery in January that led to her cancer diagnosis.
You can follow Princess Kate's updates here.
Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer
(PA wire)
While the Princess spent time out of the public eye during her recovery, many people shared their thoughts and conspiracies about the reasons behind her low profile.
Following the update on Kate's health, some prominent figures acknowledged their role in the commentary and issued public apologies.
Actor Blake Lively was among the first to express his regret, referring to a now-deleted post that appeared to mock Kate, who posted an edited photo of her family on Mother's Day.
Posting on Instagram story on Friday, gossip girl The star wrote: “I'm sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to admit it.
Blake Lively says she's 'scared' after mocking Kate's 'disappearance' in social media post
(Getty Images for Tiffany & Co.)
“I wrote a ridiculous post about the craziness of 'Photoshop fails', and oh my god, that post shamed me today. I'm sorry.”
Journalist and political activist Owen Jones also expressed his remorse for adding a comment about Kate's whereabouts.
After photo agencies recalled the photo of Kate and her three children after realizing it had been doctored, Jones commented on 'Kill Notice', saying: “I'm actually obsessed with this omg!!”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/month. After the free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/month. After the free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Another post showed Jones sharing his doubts about a photo of Kate and Prince William in the car together. “You have got to be kidding me,” he wrote. This is not a public appearance. Choo Choo! Everyone aboard the Kate Middleton Trotter Express!
Journalist and activist Owen Jones expressed regret over speculation about Kate's absence from public life
(Palestinian Authority)
However, the journalist has now said he is “ashamed” by the speculation, and wishes Kate well.
“As someone who speculated on this without considering that it could be a serious health condition, I'm very ashamed to be honest, and all the best to her,” Jones wrote in a post on X/Twitter.
Elsewhere, pressure is mounting on other public figures who have shared their opinions and speculation about Kate's whereabouts to apologise.
On social media, fans are asking presenter John Oliver to retract a joke he made during an appearance on the channel Watch what happens live with Andy Cohen.
“There's a non-zero chance she'll die before 18 months,” Oliver quipped earlier this month. “They could be on a weekend at Bernie's in that situation. I'm not saying it happened, but I'm saying it's zero until proven otherwise. Until we see her sitting there with a copy of today's newspaper.”
Kate Middleton told the world about her cancer diagnosis
(BBC Studios/PA Wire)
Piers Morgan criticized Oliver for his words and deemed anyone who supports Kate's request for privacy, but has previously speculated about her whereabouts, “shameless hypocrites.”
Some social media users also took to Kim Kardashian to acknowledge the news of Kate's cancer diagnosis after she previously captioned a photo of herself next to a car with the caption “On my way to find Kate.”