Last week, the 42-year-old princess, widely known as Kate, made a groundbreaking announcement: she was undergoing cancer treatment following abdominal surgery two months prior.
This revelation, delivered via a video statement on Instagram, marked a significant departure from the traditional stance of the royal family, which has long upheld the mantra of “never complain, never explain.”
In today’s digital age, where speculation and conspiracy theories thrive online, Kate’s decision to address her personal health struggles directly on social media was seen as a necessary move.
Nick Couldry, a professor of media, communications, and social theory at the London School of Economics, described the announcement as “unprecedented” for the royals.
He emphasized the importance of putting an end to the rampant speculation fueled by social media chatter.
“The royal family is now confronted with the task of engaging directly with public discourse on social media,” Couldry explained, highlighting the shift from their previous strategy of remaining silent in the face of online rumors.
The emergence of social media has forced Britain’s royal family to adapt its communication approach significantly. In response to rampant speculation about the health of Catherine, Princess of Wales, the monarchy is embracing new methods to engage with the public and counter online narratives.
