Weeks after Kate, Princess of Wales, revealed her cancer diagnosis, a rumor surfaced on Facebook about her husband, Prince William. The posts claimed that William had made a sad comment about Kate, sparking concern and speculation among the media. The rumors spread widely in April 2024 and were posted on various pages such as *PrayAmerica*.
All the posts had a similar message: “Prince William makes a sad comment that moves his followers to tears: ‘My wife has sounded…’” a statement intended to suggest a new and heartbreaking message. This same misleading title had already appeared on Facebook in March, just days after Kate’s video statement.
The rumor arose after Kate’s comment 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, explaining that she had undergone major surgery in January that initially appeared to be cancer-related. However, subsequent tests revealed cancer cells, leading her doctors to recommend preventative chemotherapy.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery at Lodopi, and at that time, my condition was thought not to be cancerous,” Kate said. The surgery was successful. However, postoperative tests detected that I had cancer. My medical team recommended that I undergo preventative chemotherapy.
The video marked the first time Kate publicly acknowledged her condition, following King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis in February 2024. The royal family, showing resilience in the face of these difficult times, received an outpouring of public support. ### Misleading Rumors About William’s “Sad Incident”
Regarding the Facebook rumors about William, the posts were misleading, as they reused a previous quote from the original text 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 pinging” dates back to a time before the news of Kate’s health. In February 2024, Prince William attended the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), where he humorously commented that he had missed many of the films omitted due to Kate’s recent surgery. He said, “My wife has been a bit… I hope we catch up. I’ll do my list tonight.” His comments were simply an expression of support, indicating that he had prioritized Kate’s recovery over watching movies. ### Why did the rumors persist?
The timing of the post (immediately after Kate’s diagnosis) likely contributed to their rapid spread, as many readers assumed the posts were related to the news they received about her health. However, despite the seriousness of the matter regarding Kate’s health, the Facebook posts were not new updates, but rather a misrepresentation of William’s old comments. The websites the posts referenced were also problematic. These weren’t reliable news sources, but rather websites of dubious credibility, raising concerns about potential scams and misinformation.
### How to Avoid Falling for Misinformation
For those who have doubts about the veracity of posts like these, it’s helpful to verify the information through reliable sources. While social media provides prompt updates, not all posts are reliable, and some may use rumors to drive traffic to trusted websites. The best strategy is to turn to reliable news sources and official statements from the royal family to ensure veracity.
Ultimately, although Kate and Prince William are facing a serious health issue, the rumors surrounding them have been debunked as inaccurate and misleading. The royal family hopes for public support, and Kate remains focused on her treatment, with William by her side.
