In the weeks after Kate, Princess of Wales, revealed her cancer diagnosis, a rumor surfaced on Facebook about her husband, Prince William. Posts claimed that William had made a “sad announcement” about Kate, leading fans to worry and speculate. The rumors spread widely in April 2024 and were shared by several pages such as *PrayAmerica*.

All the posts had a similar message: “Prince William makes sad announcement that moves followers to tears: ‘My wife has been…’”—a statement meant to suggest a new and heartbreaking message. This same misleading headline had already appeared on Facebook in March, just days after Kate’s video statement.

### The truth behind Kate’s health announcement

The rumor arose after Kate’s announcement on March 22, when she revealed her cancer diagnosis and shared details about her recovery. In a video message, she discussed her diagnosis and treatment plan, explaining that she had undergone major surgery in January that initially appeared unrelated to the cancer. However, subsequent tests revealed cancerous cells, leading her doctors to recommend preventative chemotherapy.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, my condition was thought not to be cancerous,” Kate said. “The surgery was successful. However, post-operative tests revealed I had cancer. My medical team recommended I undergo preventative chemotherapy.”

This video was the first time Kate publicly acknowledged her condition, following King Charles III’s own cancer diagnosis in February 2024. The royal family, showing resilience in the face of these difficult times, received a wave of public support.

### Misleading rumors about William’s “sad announcement”

As for the Facebook rumors about William, the posts were misleading, as they reused a previous quote out of context to create a new narrative. These posts directed readers to unknown websites filled with pop-up ads and dubious content, raising suspicions that the goal was to deceive or scam users.

The origin of the phrase “my wife has been” actually dates back to an event long before the news of Kate’s health. In February 2024, Prince William attended the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), where he humorously remarked that he had missed many of the nominated films due to Kate’s recent surgery. He said, “With my wife, it’s been a bit… I hope we catch up. I’ll do my list tonight.” His comments were simply an expression of support, mentioning that he had prioritized Kate’s recovery over watching movies.

### Why the rumors persisted

The timing of the post (immediately after Kate’s diagnosis) likely contributed to its rapid spread, as many readers assumed the posts were related to her recent health announcement. However, despite the seriousness of the content related to Kate’s health, the Facebook posts were not new updates, but rather a misrepresentation of William’s past comments. The websites linked to the posts were also problematic; they were not reliable news sources, but sites of dubious credibility, raising concerns about potential scams and misinformation.

### How to avoid falling into misinformation

For those concerned about the veracity of posts like these, it’s helpful to verify information through reliable sources. While social media offers prompt updates, not all content is reliable, and some posts may use rumors to direct traffic to untrustworthy websites. The best strategy is to consult credible news sources and official announcements from the royal family to ensure accuracy.

Ultimately, although Kate and Prince William are facing a significant health issue, the rumors surrounding them have been cleared up as inaccurate and misleading. The royal family continues to receive the unwavering support of the public, and Kate remains focused on her treatment, with William by her side.