A long-serving royal correspondent has warned the recent speculation surrounding Kate Middleton has proven “we’ve learned nothing” about giving the Royal Family privacy.
The Princess of Wales announced yesterday evening she was undergoing chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis after surgery.
The internet and media were awash with theories about where the princess had been in the last few months, culminating in her making the announcement.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Anton Savage Show society needs to give itself “a very severe talking to” following the high level of speculation.
“I'm old enough and I've reported on the family for 35 years,” she said. “I remember watching Diana, the last Princess of Wales, stand up and appeal for time and space when she wanted to withdraw for a time from public life because of her mental fragility.
“Did we listen? No. Have we learned anything? I think the last few weeks have demonstrated we have not.”
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
Ms Bond pointed out the princess has acted with “dignity” that is in “sharp contrast to the set of the social media trolls who have been peddling hurtful and vicious rubbish for weeks”.
“Even the mainstream media, to my horror, allowed themselves to be led by the nose and report that frenzy, thus giving the oxygen of publicity to these trolls,” she said.
She said society “forced [Kate] into the cameras to explain exactly what’s going on”, when it appears clear she and the Prince of Wales wanted to prioritise their children.
“They've taken quite a lot of flack for being upfront about the fact that they want to put their children as their main priority in these early years,” she said.
“It’s the beginning of the Easter holidays, and now they can cocoon themselves the family of William Catherine and three children, probably in their house in the Norfolk countryside.”
Speculation about the princess
Speculation over the Princess of Wales’ whereabouts first developed in December when she was announced she had undergone abdominal surgery and would not return to public life for some months.
Several photos emerged of the princess in public, but there was doubt cast over whether it was actually her.
A photo was posted on Mother’s Day of Kate and her children which was then revealed to be manipulated, fuelling speculation further.
Yesterday, the princess confirmed her surgery had revealed a tumour that is now being treated.
