Shame of those vile web trolls who made it so much harder for Kate

Trolls who fuelled conspiracy theories about the Princess of Wales have been widely condemned.

Rishi Sunak called Kate’s treatment on social media “unfair” amid intense scrutiny about her private life while undergoing treatment for cancer.

And former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told Sky News: “I hope those social media trolls who are peddling such ghastly theories will realise what they have done. Her absolute priority will be those three children.”

Royal fans came to Kate’s defence online.

One posted on X: “I hope all you trolls feel terrible for starting all this false narrative over Princess Kate. Prayers for her and her health. Prayers for her family.”

Vicious speculation arose about Kate’s health following her planned but unspecified abdominal surgery in January.

Rumours grew when Kensington Palace announced that Kate would not return to public duties until after Easter.

The speculation worsened after several news agencies pulled a Mother’s Day portrait of the 42-year-old with her children due to concerns the image had been manipulated.

After weeks of invasive questioning about Kate’s private life, a public sighting of the princess at a farm shop did not stop conspiracists who believed the palace was covering up vital information.

Some trolls believed that the pictures, taken by a member of the public, were faked or were of a body double.

The PA news agency last night confirmed that no edits were made to Kate’s video message announcing her diagnosis, which was filmed by the BBC.

Dr Jay Verma, president of the GP Section at the Royal Society of Medicine, said: “This is a difficult enough process for anyone without having to contend with constant speculation and what has been some outrageous conspiracy theories on social media.”

Those who had previously peddled conspiracies about the princess included some antimonarchists.

Left-wing commentator Owen Jones apologised for speculating about Kate following a string of posts over recent weeks about her disappearance.

He posted on X: “As someone who speculated on this without considering it could be a serious health condition, I’m very ashamed to be honest, and all the very best to her.”

American gossip site TMZ is also facing mounting pressure to drop its “poor taste” documentary titled Where is Kate Middleton, which aired in the US on Thursday night.

The show included comments from broadcaster Piers Morgan and Princess Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell.

Royal experts say the trolls have caused the princess more pain at an already difficult time.

Royal historian Hugo Vickers told The Sun that those peddling misinformation should feel “ashamed of themselves” and there was “no doubt they are regretful that they’ve caused her more pain at a very difficult time”.

Several celebrities also weighed in on the malicious theories, including actress Blake Lively and TV presenter Andy Cohen.