Earlier this week, we told you how Black TikTok doubted the authenticity of the TMZ video that appeared to capture Prince William and Princess Catherine shopping at a farmer’s market near their home. The princess had not been seen publicly since undergoing abdominal surgery in January. And in the wake of the controversial altered Mother’s Day pic, users were quick to pick apart every detail of the grainy clip, from the holiday lights in the background to the fact that royals aren’t exactly the kinds of people who do their own grocery shopping.
But while some were joking about Kate’s whereabouts, it appears the truth is heartbreaking. The Princess of Wales has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the early stages of treatment.
In a March 22 post released on X, formerly known as Twitter, Catherine addressed the public in a two-minute video.
“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she said in the clip that has since received over 16 million views. “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.”
Since her announcement, Black users on TikTok have been sending messages of support to Kate and the royal family.
“Some people must now feel terrible for the awful things they said about her,” @bellefrancy captioned her post. “Be kind, you never know what someone is going through.”
“This is big, huge, important, life-changing news. Cancer is tough for everyone,” said Dr. Jen Caudle on TikTok. “What’s important now is that Kate Middleton and her family have the time, and the space and the respect and the love and prayers that they need to cope with this and to allow her to heal.”
Kate ended the clip by sending a message of encouragement to people who have been affected by cancer.
“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” she said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the royal family during this difficult time.