Reports have emerged suggesting that Kate Middleton's video announcement on March 22 regarding her cancer diagnosis was prompted by the threat of a news leak. Although she may not have felt compelled to share the news initially, concerns about rampant conspiracy theories surrounding her health and whereabouts led Kensington Palace to expedite the release of the video to the public.
According to a report by the Daily Mail's Ephraim Hardcastle column, palace aides were alerted to the leak of Kate's diagnosis, leaving them with no choice but to preemptively address the situation and "get ahead of the story."
The identity of the individual who contacted the palace regarding the leak remains unclear, but it is speculated to have been a representative from a news or tabloid outlet preparing to publish the story.
There have been concerns that Kate's privacy may have been compromised at The London Clinic, where she underwent abdominal surgery in January. Reports surfaced indicating that an investigation was launched at the hospital after it was discovered that certain staff members had attempted to access her private medical records.
Despite any pressure Kate may have felt to disclose her cancer diagnosis, her video received widespread acclaim for the grace, poise, and courage she exhibited while delivering such significant news to a global audience.
While Kate did not disclose certain details, such as the type of cancer she was diagnosed with, she emphasized the importance of having Prince William by her side and prioritizing their children's well-being before making her diagnosis public.
Speculation arose regarding the timing of the video release, with many suggesting that Kate waited until her children were on break for the Easter holiday to allow the family time to process the news together.
However, the Daily Mail column raises questions about whether the timing of the video release was also influenced by the imminent threat of a news leak. Nonetheless, the video succeeded in quelling speculation about Kate's health and garnered praise for its candidness and transparency amidst a challenging situation.