A new report claims that Kate Middleton’s video revealing her shocking cancer diagnosis on March 22 was rushed out under duress after Kensington Palace learned the news had been leaked.
According to the Daily Mail’s Ephraim Hardcastle column, the palace was contacted by someone who had found out about the Princess of Wales’ diagnosis. This left her and palace aides with no choice but to hastily release the video to “get ahead of the story.”
The identity of the leaker and how they obtained the private medical information remains unclear. However, there were prior reports of an investigation being launched at The London Clinic, where Kate underwent abdominal surgery in January, after staffers allegedly tried accessing her records.
Although seemingly forced into going public, the 42-year-old mother of three earned widespread praise for the “grace,” “poise,” and “courage” she exhibited in calmly delivering the devastating news while appearing casual in jeans and a sweater.
In the self-written video, Kate disclosed the cancer was discovered after her January surgery and that she had begun “preventative chemotherapy,” assuring she was “getting stronger every day.” She referenced having Prince William’s support while explaining they prioritized telling their children first.
Many speculated Kate timed the announcement around her kids’ school break to process the news as a family first. However, the leak appears to have prompted more urgent action amid rampant speculation and criticism over the palace’s handling.
The video did quell much of the furor, with observers saying Kate struck the right tone despite being seemingly compelled to reveal her private medical battle sooner than intended due to the leak.
