Kate Middleton conspiracy theories are the ‘curse of being a modern royal’, former palace aide claims

The conspiracy theories surrounding the Princess of Wales in recent months are the ‘bane of modern royalism’, a former palace aide has claimed.

The 42-year-old royal announced in an emotional video message that she is undergoing ‘preventive’ chemotherapy after cancer was discovered following her major abdominal surgery earlier this year.

The news followed weeks of vicious speculation on platforms including X, Instagram and TikTok, where trolls shared mocking messages and memes about her whereabouts.

Speak with PEOPLEEa former Palace aide said the interest in Kate’s health was a ‘complex response’.

They explained: ‘There was no malicious intent. But it brought out a pent-up feeling that people wanted information – unfortunately that’s the bane of modern royalty.’

The princess’s announcement prompted groveling apologies from the likes of left-wing journalist Owen Jones and actress Blake Lively, who expressed their sadness over the thoughtless comments they made online.

Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code who teamed up with Meghan Markle for a campaign to change the perception of mothers on TV, said she was “disgusted” with herself for joining in on speculation about Kate.

They were joined by dozens of social media users and TikTok influencers who apologized for indulging in vile conspiracy theories and said they felt “guilty” and “terrible” now that they knew the true reason for Kate’s absence from public life.

But many more rushed to cover their tracks by deleting evidence of their previous posts. Others remained silent as critics piled on the likes of Kim Kardashian, demanding they apologize for mocking the princess.

Earlier this month, Kardashian shared a photo of herself getting into a car with the caption, “On our way to find Kate.”

Critical comments piled up under the post, with one follower writing: ‘I think an apology is needed!’ and another told her, “You should probably delete this.”

Owen Jones was one of a series of high-profile figures to speculate about Kate’s whereabouts.

Responding to a post on Okay, I’m now fully on board the Kate Middleton Truther train.’

The Princess of Wales – who recently announced she has cancer – photographed during an engagement in Scarborough in November 2022

Kim Kardashian shared this photo on Instagram earlier this month with the caption: ‘On my way to find Kate’

Critical comments piled up under the post, with calls for the TV personality to apologise

Blake Lively previously shared this clearly faked image of herself to promote her drinks brand

The actress is among a small number of high-profile figures who have apologized for their comments

He then replied: “This is insane” when evidence that the photo had been altered in Photoshop was shared by another X user.

Later, responding to the announcement of the new AFP service, 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 shared the next day, saying: ‘You’re kidding me. That’s not a public appearance. Choo Choo! Everyone aboard the Kate Middleton Truther Express!”

He tweeted: ‘As someone who speculated about this without considering it could be a serious health condition, I’m embarrassed to be honest, and all the best to her.’

Meanwhile, Blake Lively shared her regrets for an ill-advised Photoshop joke before Kate’s diagnosis was revealed.

She had previously shared an obviously edited photo of herself alongside a post promoting her drinks brand.

The 36-year-old said last week: ‘I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this. I made a stupid post about the “photoshop fails” frenzy, and oh man, that post bummed me out today. I’m sorry. I always send love and good wishes to everyone.”

Last week, Queen Camilla revealed during a walkabout in Shrewsbury that her daughter-in-law is ‘delighted’ by the support she has received from the public.

In response to a royal fan holding a sign reading “Send our love to Kate,” the Queen replied: “I know Catherine is grateful for all the kind wishes and support.”