The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, recently addressed weeks of speculation about her health by revealing she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. This announcement comes after a flurry of online theories and rumours regarding her absence from public appearances.
A Video Announcement
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
In a heartfelt video message, Kate sits on a bench amidst the picturesque gardens of Windsor Castle. Dressed casually in a black and white striped sweater and blue jeans, her hair flowing loosely, the Princess speaks directly to the public.
“The cancer was not known when I had the abdominal surgery," she explains. "However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."
Despite Kate's video explanation, doubts lingered among some, with suggestions of AI manipulation and hidden truths. It all began with a seemingly innocuous detail – a British Mother's Day photo deemed "off" by some viewers. This ignited a firestorm of conspiracy theories, reaching a fever pitch when comedian John Oliver jokingly remarked that she "died 18 months ago."
Deepfake Detectives
Fueling these doubts were a few seemingly suspicious details in the cancer announcement video itself. Keen-eyed viewers pointed out similarities between Kate's sweater in this video and one she wore for a 2016 mental health campaign. Another source of speculation is a brief moment where her engagement ring appears to vanish as she moves her hand.
Notice how Kate Middleton's ring disappears 🤔
— MAVERICK X (@MAVERIC68078049) March 24, 2024
Still you believe them? pic.twitter.com/S243aWEtUV
These observations led some to believe the video was a "deepfake" – a sophisticated AI-generated video manipulation.
Comments like "This Kate Middleton video is clearly AI" and "The question is: what are they hiding?" flooded social media.
This Kate Middleton video is clearly AI but members of the public who aren’t familiar with the technology will be easily fooled.
— 🤌🏿 Imani: That Good Craic (@imanilfc) March 23, 2024
The overly blurred background doesn’t move. Not a single breeze moving a petal, leaf or blade of grass. It’s clearly not realpic.twitter.com/jvmWiLHKQQ
Defending The Duchess
However, many others rallied around the Princess. Supporters emphasized the possibility of the video being filmed with a green screen in a studio setting, explaining the seemingly unmoving background. Others defended the ring's disappearance as a visual effect caused by hand movement. One comment aptly summed it up: "Utter drivel. This is exactly how England looked last Wednesday when it was filmed. And the ring doesn't disappear, it's an effect of movement blurring.”
Utter drivel. This is exactly how England looked last Wednesday when it was filmed. And the ring doesn’t disappear it’s an effect of movement blurring. If you’re going to play detective at least be accurate
— Maisie the Tortie / Margaret 😸🙍🏻♀️ (@maisiethetortie) March 24, 2024
Jagran New Media's gender and lifestyle vertical, catering to women of all age groups, helping them remain updated, on-trend, and aware. To improve our performance and understand our readers' interests better, we have created this poll. This will take two minutes of your time, do help us by clicking here.
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation