Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, made a significant revelation in a recent video message, addressing the ongoing speculations surrounding her absence. She disclosed that she is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and emphasized her positive progress and increasing strength each day. Despite this candid disclosure, various online conspiracy theories have emerged, suggesting that the video could potentially be an AI-generated deepfake.
The Princess of Wales has been at the center of global attention due to her prolonged retreat from public view following abdominal surgery earlier this year. This retreat fueled a flurry of rumors and outlandish conspiracy theories regarding her whereabouts.
However, on March 23, Kate Middleton dispelled all uncertainties by unveiling her cancer treatment journey in a heartfelt video released by Kensington Palace.
Seated on a bench amidst the picturesque gardens of Windsor Palace, adorned with cherry blossoms and daffodils, Kate appeared serene in a black and white striped sweater paired with blue jeans, her hair cascading loosely around her shoulders.
She revealed that the cancer diagnosis was unexpected, only discovered post the abdominal surgery. Subsequent medical assessments prompted her decision to undergo preemptive chemotherapy, a treatment she has recently commenced.
Despite the sincerity of her message, the video triggered fresh skepticism on social media platforms, with some users raising doubts about its authenticity, citing concerns such as the static background foliage and alleged digital alterations.
While these claims remain unverified, a section of social media users even scrutinized minute details like the absence of her characteristic dimple, further fueling the speculative discourse.
Following the disclosure, Britain’s King Charles III expressed his profound pride in his daughter-in-law’s courage to share her diagnosis publicly. Messages of support poured in from Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and US President Joe Biden, lauding Kate for her resilience.
In response, the Princess expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and understanding of her privacy needs during this challenging period. She also highlighted the importance of candidly discussing her diagnosis with her three children before the public announcement.
In the days leading up to the video release, The Sun newspaper published images of Kate Middleton appearing jovial and healthy alongside her husband at a Windsor farm shop. However, these images sparked controversy on social media, with claims of photo manipulation and even suggestions of a body double standing in for the Princess.
Amidst Kate Middleton’s prolonged absence, rumors of an alleged affair between Prince William and Sarah Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, surfaced. However, Rose Hanbury vehemently refuted these claims, labeling them as entirely baseless.
The Princess’ hiatus from public view was further marred by the withdrawal of a Mother’s Day photograph featuring Kate and her children, following allegations of AI manipulation. Kate acknowledged the confusion surrounding the image, attributing it to her occasional experimentation with photo editing.
(With inputs from AFP)
