Since Kate’s visit to hospital in January, and her subsequent disappearance from public life, the internet has been rife with rumours about her. Jemimah Wright suggests how we should respond now we know the truth of the situation.
In a video statement last Friday, Kate, Princess of Wales shared with the world that she had cancer. She said it was a “huge shock” after an “incredibly tough couple of months”, but also said: “I am well and getting stronger every day.”
It appears that she was forced into sharing her diagnosis publically because of the furore of gossip and rumours that surrounded her whereabouts. Social media was awash was theories including the conclusions that:
1. Kate is dead.
2. Kate is in a coma
3. Kate has had plastic surgery
4. Kate has a body double
5. Kate is getting a divorce
The palace did try to placate these rumours by sharing a photo of the Princess on Mother’s Day.
As we know, the palace did try to placate these rumours by sharing a photo of the Princess on Mother’s Day, but it was found to have been manipulated to such an extent that media outlets pulled it. Why it was manipulated gave more ground to conspiracies theories, which were also fuelled by Kate notably not wearing her wedding or engagement rings.
But last Friday, the conspiracy theories were put to bed, well most of them, when Kate herself addressed the public
Then, Prince William and Kate were filmed on a public outing to a pet shop near their home. However, on viewing the video, many claimed it was not Kate, but a body double, and the hashtag #fakekate arose. However, last Friday, the conspiracy theories were put to bed, well most of them, when Kate herself addressed the public. Her news was painful and difficult, and many felt ashamed of their tweets / Instagram posts and tiktok videos suggested something sinister of Kate’s absence.
Actress Blake Lively issued an apology after she mocked Kate’s edited Mother’s Day photo.
“I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this,” she wrote on her Instagram account.
“I made a silly post around the ‘Photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today.”
So how do we as Christians live in a society where AI makes us question everything, and where conspiracy theories can flourish like wild-fire? Photos can be manipulated, and Netflix movies show us a world where ‘body doubles’ are the norm. Who can we trust? How can we keep a grip on reality, when even journalists are reporting on the conspiracy theory suggestions.
The verse that comes to mind is: Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Read more on the Royal family
Kate Middleton is in hospital – but is that really our business?
‘King Charles has cancer, so did my dad. Here is how we can pray for him’
The significant word being ‘rumours’. When we hear rumours and theories that in our own strength we cannot prove right or wrong, here is some advice:
1. Do not be alarmed. God is in control, and you can find your peace in him alone.
2. Do not spread gossip or rumours. As Psalm 15 says: Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbour, and casts no slur on others;
3. Pray for the situation in question, specifically praying Luke 8:17: For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. God can and will bring the truth into the open.
Finally, in this situation, let’s pray for Kate, for her body to heal and for comfort for her family.
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