PRINCESS Kate and William were upset by a BBC sports reporter peddling conspiracy theories, a royal expert has said.
Rugby specialist Sonja McLaughlan took to social media after the Princess of Wales, 42, was spotted at the Windsor Farm Shop by The Sun.
The sports broadcaster tweeted: “Could be a couple of lookalikes making mischief.
“Disturbing that some newspapers are reporting this as fact. It’s clearly not her.”
Just days later Kate put an end to wild speculation when she revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy in an emotional video message.
And royal commentator Dickie Arbiter said the royal duo would have been feeling “upset” and “angry” about Sonja’s comments.
The Queen’s former aide told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show: “A BBC sports reporter coming out after The Sun released that video.
“She said it was a body double. I mean how outrageous is that just to say that when everyone else is having a conspiracy theory.
“Has there been an apology? Of course not. Has there been an apology from the BBC? Of course not.”
Dicky also praised Kate for putting a spotlight on others also going through a cancer diagnosis.
He added: “The fact she swung it away from her and to people who are in the same circumstances, it was an incredible thing to do. Unfortunately it brought an element of negativity.
“We should push that to one side because people who talk negatively about that sort of thing just really need to get a life, they haven’t got a life. They need therapy.”
Dicky’s daughter Victoria added that Princess Kate had shown “grace under fire” through the video.
She added: “The way she delivered it was impeccable.”
Dicky said it was “personal” and there was “nothing contrived”, adding: “It was spoken deep from the heart.”
GROSS TROLLING
It comes as vile jibes and bullying continues online – with even Harry and Meghan’s Netflix “cheerleader” targeting Kate moments after her cancer diagnosis shocked the world.
Christopher Bouzy, who had a starring role in Harry and Meghan’s Netflix show, trolled the princess on X/Twitter 31 minutes after her video was released.
The tech mogul, 48, said Kate’s illness was stage-managed akin to “North Korean propaganda”.
He wrote: “I am sorry to hear Kate has cancer, I hope she has a full recovery.
“But it is also clear that all three earlier photos of her were fake, and the palace tried to cover it up.”
Meanwhile, shamed Endgame author Omid Scobie, deleted a tasteless post on Friday showing an alarm clock set for 6pm — the time Kate made her cancer statement.
A former spokesman for William and Kate blasted the hate shown towards the couple.
Paddy Harverson told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “It’s a sort of permanent doom loop. And it’s the worst I’ve ever seen.”
Harry and Meghan themselves were not told of Kate’s condition before the announcement, because they “can’t be trusted”, claimed one royal expert.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: “There’s a deep rift between the brothers – that we know.
“We also know that they haven’t apparently spoken in many months, and the reason, of course, is that for some four years they’ve caused endless problems to the Royal Family and so they can’t be trusted.
“William hasn’t trusted Harry and Meghan and I mean with good reason.”
‘VERY ASHAMED’
But there are many grovelling celebs now crawling out of the wood work to apologise after spreading ‘Katespiracies’.
The bullying and “madness of social media” led to The Sun calling for the world to Lay Off Kate.
Owen Jones and Kerry Katona have shared their regret after fuelling conspiracy theories.
Owen Jones, a left-wing activist and journalist, wrote on X: “As someone who speculated on this without considering it could be a serious health condition, I’m very ashamed to be honest, and all the very best to her.”
INGRID SEWARD: Prince William is a pillar of strength for Kate
STEADFAST when his family needed him, William has proved himself as a man and future monarch of strength and compassion.
While he might not have been present during Kate’s courageous video address on Friday — make no mistake, he has been by her side every step of the way.
William has stepped up with school run duties and provided a “great source of comfort and reassurance” to his wife.
But he has also been a comforting and reassuring presence for the public.
From leading members of the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day Service to enjoying cheerful banter with youngsters on a youth centre visit, he hasn’t put a foot wrong.
Just this week he visited Sheffield to highlight his Homewards project to end homelessness in the UK.
Even then there were few chinks in his facade — but Kate was clearly on his mind.
“She needs to be sat here to hear this,” he smiled, when the discussion turned to the challenges of young families.
But ultimately he is only human.
To have your father and your wife diagnosed with cancer within such quick succession is heart-shattering.
It’s a remarkable insight into the character of this young man that he has been so incredibly brave.
Theirs is a very private turmoil which has been brought into the public arena by nature of their roles as future King and Queen.
William must feel the weight of enormous responsibility, both personally and for the monarchy, of which he is now the public face.
But he knows his most important role is that of dad and husband.
He will make that his priority.
This is a distinct difference from the ways of the past, where your royal role came before the role of spouse and parent.
Think back to when the Queen was young.
WILLS’ PRIORITY
It was a man’s world then — and she was forced to abandon her children in a way that William is determined not to.
William and Kate waited until the school term was over and their children were home before making their public announcement.
They needed to be prepared.
In this, they will have had the wholehearted support of Charles — who knows what it feels like to be brought up by nannies.
William was also acutely aware of the lack of his own father’s presence in his life, especially when things went wrong.
In 1991, he was accidentally hit over the head with a golf club when he was at school and Diana was having lunch in her favourite restaurant San Lorenzo.
The call came through that William had been bashed on the head and they thought he might die so it was very serious.
Both Charles and Diana rushed down to Ludgrove.
William was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and then to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diana went with him.
But ever a man of duty, Charles prioritised his engagements.
William is determined to do things differently.
Meanwhile TV personality Kerry also regretted her previous words.
She told The Sun: “There were so many conspiracy theories. I’ll hold my hands up.”
Fans have called for Kim Kardashian to say sorry for her “on my way to go find Kate” Instagram post.
Royal expert Hugo Vickers slammed online trolls and said they should be ashamed of themselves.
The royal historian told The Sun: “The conspiracy theorists, went in big time in the last few days.
“It says an awful lot about the mindset of these people. The high profile ones, but also the very irresponsible members of the general public who just sort of weighed in as well.
“It was extremely unattractive because, we all love the Princess of Wales, and she’s done a fantastic job.
“She’s really faultless in everything she’s done ever since she married Prince William.”
The expert added all the vile rumours and ‘Katespiracies’ would have “made things much more difficult” than they already were.
“I think quite simply, they should be feeling very ashamed of themselves,” he added.
“I think quite a few people have popped up and apologised, and rightly so.
“I imagine that they will go to ground to be quite honest, because in a sense, they are bullies. They’re pushing it the whole time.”
BRAVE KATE
Kate shared in her statement on Friday evening: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought my condition was non cancerous.
“The surgery was successful.
“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.
“This of course came as a huge shock.”
The princess continued: “It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“As I have said to them; I am well and I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind body and spirit.”
The royal also thanked her husband Prince William for his support.
The diagnosis was the reason that William pulled out of a thanksgiving service at Windsor last month for a “personal matter”, it is understood.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed Kate started a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February and is now on a “recovery pathway”.
They were unable to say when chemotherapy treatment will end and said Kate had spoke to the King.
The Palace also confirmed Prince William will continue to “balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year”.
The spokesperson added: “The Princess wanted to share this information when she and The Prince felt it was right for them as a family.
“The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”
HEART-TO-HEART WITH CHARLES
A source claimed Kate had a heart-to-heart with King Charles, 75, at Windsor Castle before sharing the emotional announcement.
The monarch, who also has also been diagnosed with cancer, travelled from London for a private lunch with his “beloved daughter-in-law” on Thursday.
It is believed the royals discussed the mum-of-three’s video and the princess was said to be encourage by the support her father-in-law received.
A source told The Times: “A factor in their decision to go public would have been the great warmth and affection received by the King as a result of his announcement.”
The princess also chose to delay releasing the information to protect her children.
Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, had already broken up from school and were with their parents when the video was posted.
Sun editor Victoria Newton told BBC1’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: “It was actually, I understand, that the Princess made the decision two weeks ago that she was going to do this public statement.
“The key thing for her as a mother, the priority was protecting those three children.”
Floods of support has poured in since the shocking news, with well-wishers leaving flowers at Windsor Castle for the royal.
Dame Deborah James‘s parents also sent their love to the mum-of-three, praising her bravery and urging her to “hold on to rebellious hope”.
The family said they believe her statement would inspire many more people to get checked for cancer — and save lives.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MARCH 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis