Blake Lively leads apologies for Princess Kate’s cancer

Blake Lively has said she is “mortified” for mocking the Princess of Wales over an image manipulation scandal earlier this month, after it was revealed on Friday that the royal is battling cancer.

Lively is leading apologies from social media users who made jokes at Kate’s expense after the princess was forced to admit editing an official photograph of her and her three children. It was released to celebrate Mother’s Day in Britain on March 10, prompting a rise in conspiracy theories and speculation at Kate’s expense.

On Friday, the princess revealed that doctors had found cancer present in tests carried out at the time of her major abdominal surgery in January. In a video statement, she said she has been receiving preventive chemotherapy treatment. news week He approached Kensington Palace in London by email for comment on Saturday.

On March 15, four days after Kate apologized for the image manipulation, saying that “like many amateur photographers, I occasionally experiment with editing,” Lively posted an obviously edited photo of herself promoting her drink line, Betty Buzz.

The now-deleted Instagram post included the caption: “I’m so excited to share this new photo I just took today to announce our 4 new products @bettybuzz and @bettybooze! Now you know why I’ve been MIA (missing in action). ” This last phrase referred to a conspiracy theory shared at the time that Kate was “missing” because she had not been seen in public since Christmas Day.

On March 22, hours after Kate released her statement confirming she had cancer, Lively, married to film star Ryan Reynolds, who publicly met members of the royal family due to her involvement with the Welsh football team Wrexham FC, posted a message on Instagram. story telling her 44 million followers that she was “mortified.”

“I’m sure no one cares today, but I feel like I have to acknowledge it,” Lively said. “I made a silly post about the ‘Photoshop fail’ frenzy and oh man, that post has me mortified today. Sorry. Sending love and well wishes to everyone, always.”

Lively isn’t the only social media user posting apologies for comments, jokes or attacks made toward Kate over the past few weeks.

On Friday, the former Real Housewives of Orange County Star Meghan King told her 900,000 Instagram followers in a story clip that she felt “really bad” for discussing rumors about Kate during this time.

British newspaper columnist Owen Jones took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his regret for not having considered the seriousness of Kate’s condition before speculating.

“As someone who speculated about this without considering it could be a serious health issue, I’m very embarrassed, to be honest, and all the best to her,” Jones posted after the princess’ announcement.

In addition to these celebrities, several social media users on X, Instagram, and TikTok have expressed regret for participating in Kate’s health speech or criticized others for doing so.

In her video message, posted at 6pm UK time (2pm ET) on Friday, Kate asked for space and privacy as she focuses on her recovery, while looking forward to the time she can return to her royal duties.

“We hope you understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” the princess said.

“My job has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I hope to return when I can, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”

James Crawford-Smith is news weekRoyal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read their stories in news week‘s The Royals Facebook page.

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