A former royal spokesman has urged the public to give the Prince and Princess of Wales “time to heal” following Catherine’s cancer diagnosis. Paddy Harverson, who previously worked for the couple, defended Kensington Palace’s handling of the announcement, stressing that the family are “human beings” who need space.
Speaking to the BBC, Harverson said: “This is not just an institution, it's a family… you also have to remember they're human beings.” He criticised the “permanent death loop” of speculation on social media, adding that people should “follow their lead”.
Catherine revealed on Friday that she had begun chemotherapy after cancer was discovered following abdominal surgery in January. The princess recorded a video message, which The Times reported she wrote “every word of” herself without input from advisers. Earlier, a Mother’s Day photograph of her and her children was withdrawn after inconsistencies emerged; Catherine later apologised for “experimenting with editing”.
Victoria Newton, editor of The Sun, told the BBC that Catherine timed her announcement for the last day of her children’s school term to protect them from questions. Newton also defended the paper’s decision to publish video of the couple at a farm shop, saying it was “very important to change the narrative”.
Meanwhile, the King’s nephew, Peter Philips, told Sky News Australia that Charles is in “good spirits” but “frustrated” by his own cancer treatment, which has paused public duties. Harverson expressed confidence that the King, who is “very resilient”, will recover, and that the Royal Family will overcome this period.
Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, warned that social media amplifies controversial content and distorts public perception. He urged caution, stating: “Social media is not the vox populi, nor is it a safe and clever place to get information from.”
