Gillian Sturgeon, sister of Nicola Sturgeon, faced criticism after posting information about Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis on Facebook, 25 minutes before the official announcement was made by Kensington Palace. She later deleted the post and clarified that she had obtained the information online, not through her sister. Princess Kate publicly confirmed her diagnosis in a video message at 6 pm on a Friday, stating her intention to return to her royal duties following her recovery. This announcement, coupled with news that both she and King Charles are battling cancer, has brought significant attention and support to the British royal family.

The royal family is facing challenges with reduced visibility due to both the health issues of key members and other factors, such as Prince Harry’s move to California and Prince Andrew’s controversial affiliations. The monarchy is currently striving to maintain its public image with a smaller, core group of senior members actively performing royal duties, a strategy initiated by King Charles. This approach aims to balance the need for public engagement with the privacy needs of the family members.

This situation underscores the critical role of visibility for the monarchy, as noted by royal historian Robert Hardman, aligning with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s view that the family must be “seen to be believed.” Amid these health concerns, Princess Kate and the royal family have received widespread public sympathy, highlighting their continued dedication to their roles during challenging times.