Duchess Kate faces cancer battle after dispelling rumors

Speculations around Kate's situation ranged from recovery after cosmetic surgery and Prince William's affair to even bizarre theories about attempts to conceal the Duchess’s passing. Ultimately, the individual at the centre of these rumours quelled them by sharing a heartfelt video online.

– The surgery was successful, but subsequent tests detected cancer. I'm starting early-stage preventive chemotherapy, – the Duchess disclosed, dispelling all absurd speculations. This confession led many who had previously ridiculed the situation to reflect on their actions.

At one point, the vague narrative around Kate's absence and the associated wild theories became somewhat fashionable among foreign celebrities. The poorly edited snapshot of the Duchess with her children, which appeared in the press on Mother's Day (celebrated on March 10 in the UK), further ignited the mocking fire. Blake Lively was among those who commented on it.

For several months, the actress has vigorously promoted her Betty Buzz and Betty Booze cocktail brands on social media. Recently, the brand expanded to include non-alcoholic options. Hence, the "Gossip Girl" star uploaded conspicuously altered photos to her Instagram in a basic graphic editing style (which was later deleted and is no longer available online).

With her caption, Lively directly alluded to Buckingham Palace's efforts to smooth over the situation surrounding Kate. "I'm so thrilled to share a photo that I took today with you. (…) Now you know why I was MIA [Eng. missing in action]" - Lively noted at the time that she was not winning approval from her followers.

Following the touching video from Duchess Kate, the actress felt compelled to correct her earlier misstep.

"I doubt anyone is focused on this today, but I feel obligated to confess. I made a thoughtless post about a 'Photoshop fail', and oh, how that post makes me cringe today. I'm sorry. Sending love and best wishes to everyone," - wrote Ryan Reynolds' spouse.