‘Faceless rats’: Journo goes nuclear after Kate’s cancer diagnosis

The world is reacting to the news that Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer. Picture: Henry Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The world has reacted with shock to the news that Kate Middleton has cancer.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed the news through the release of a video today (6pm UK time).

In it, she explained that cancer was discovered after her abdominal surgery in January, and that she was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy treatment. She did not reveal the type of cancer she is battling.

It also follows the news on February 6 that her father-in-law, King Charles III, was diagnosed with cancer.

The news had made front pages across the world.

Catherine, The Princess of Wales announces that she is receiving a preventative course of chemotherapy for cancer. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images

Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer. Picture: Supplied

It was a stunning development that caps fevered speculation online after Kate, 42, disappeared from the public eye for months.

Minimal information was provided by the Palace about Kate’s condition, leaving people to fill in the gaps themselves.

It didn’t help that a photo released by Kensington Palace on March 11 of Kate and her family was issued with a “mandatory kill notice” by the world’s largest photo agencies. The Mother’s Day photo had been manipulated by software, and Kate later publicly admitted she had edited it.

Given Kate’s cancer bombshell today, many people online expressed regret that wild conspiracy theories about Kate had flooded social media.

Kate is the second royal to be diagnosed with cancer this year. Picture: Henry Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty Images

In a furious spray, British journalist and presenter Camilla Tominey went nuclear on internet trolls, calling them “faceless rats”.

“We already knew that social media was a sewer, occupied by faceless rats intent on infecting others with their disease of hatred,” she wrote in the UK’s Telegraph.

She said their “cruel treatment” of Kate was “sickening” and “beyond belief”.

“From the peddling of hurtful conspiracy theories to the propagation of unsubstantiated lies, the keyboard warriors have inflicted an unnecessary amount of suffering on a woman now undergoing chemotherapy after a major operation. Shame on them.”

English journalist Dan Walker wrote on X: “What a tough time for the royal family. I am sure Kate, like the king, will have the best possible care and I hope she is OK. I hope that ends the conspiracy theories and she gets the privacy she has asked for.”

Other expressed surprise that Kate took the blame for the photo drama, given her condition.

BuzzFeed News entertainment editor Jarett Wieselman wrote: “This is so heartbreaking — and makes it even more insane that the palace BLAMED HER for the photoshopping thing.”

everyone deleting their Kate Middleton conspiracy theories
pic.twitter.com/VepqJG8Nxu

— Justin Credible (@GravySauceCream) March 22, 2024

One person called for introspection: “Prince William has been through hell. His wife has cancer, his dad has cancer, and he has three young kids. The internet has accused him of cheating, murder, and abuse. It’s time for many of you to take a long hard look in the mirror.”

Another added: “All the Kate Middleton and Royal Family jokes I laughed at these past couple of weeks and to find out she’s been battling cancer... I’m going to hell.”

Kate is already featuring on front pages. Picture: Twitter

Welsh daily newspaper Western Mail. Picture: Twitter

The Northern Echo lead with “you are not alone”. Picture: Twitter

Prince Harry and Meghan also reacted to the news. A spokesman for the Sussexes said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement that Kate had shown “tremendous bravery” by making the video address.

He added that she had been “unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media”.

BBC presenter Sophie Raworth reporting on Kate's news.

Sky News broadcaster Jonathan Samuels reports the breaking story.

The front page of The Sun. Picture: Supplied

The Daily Star's front page. Picture: Supplied

Keir Starmer, who leads the UK’s Labour Party, said it was a “distressing time” and added he was “heartened” by Kate’s “optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope”.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said King Charles was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a press conference: “We just heard the terrible news, our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge... during this incredibly difficult time. We are incredibly sad.”

Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump also weighed in writing: “It’s disheartening to see the speculation that has surrounded her, particularly during a time when support and kindness are most needed.”

Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith confirmed he had pulled out of the live final of ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother on Friday.

“As many will have seen, I am featured in Saturday’s Times Magazine. This interview and shoot was done over a week ago and went to print before I was aware of the sad news regarding my niece Kate,” he wrote.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and the wider family at this difficult time and deeply upset at the timing of this article. I hope this draws a line over the continued speculation and horrible conspiracies.”