Princess Kate
Of course it's Kate we see in the video
Jenny Alexandersson
unpublished 2024-03-20 21.32
That's not Kate! She doesn't move like that! That's a doppelganger! The film is from 2021. The video is fake!
I thought the footage of Kate and William would quell any conspiracy theories.
I was so wrong.
On Monday, The Sun and TMZ published a grainy video clip of Kate and William. The couple shopped at a farm store near their home in Windsor. Kate moved freely and smiled widely as she chatted with William. She was carrying a white bag in one hand and was wearing training tights and a windbreaker as they strolled towards a parking lot.
Here she is! Alive! Neither wheelchair-bound, in a coma, nor divorced from her husband. No cosmetic surgery, no long trips.
All the conspiracy theorists can hang up now.
To my surprise, the video became a firewood that fueled the gossip bonfire even more.
A video is no longer enough. A film clip is not accepted as proof of life.
I will be the frist to say that one should be suspicious of images and review them when necessary. Especially since AI-generated images and videos are becoming more and more common. I dare not think about what challenges we will face in a year or two when the technology is more developed.
But in this case, it's clear to me, at least, that it's Kate in the video. I have followed William and Kate as a journalist for 20 years.
The community that Kate's fans and haters have created on social media is strong. A picture on Instagram can generate tens of thousands of likes, hundreds of comments and long discussions. Often vicious ones where the followers attack each other.
That community stands beyond all evidence. It has become a self-playing piano and the conspiracy theories are getting crazier.
Such a deep and violent obsession can become dangerous.
But in this case, it's clear to me, at least, that it's Kate in the video. I have followed William and Kate as a journalist for 20 years.
The community that Kate's fans and haters have created on social media is strong. A picture on Instagram can generate tens of thousands of likes, hundreds of comments and long discussions. Often vicious ones where the followers attack each other.
That community stands beyond all evidence. It has become a self-playing piano and the conspiracy theories are getting crazier.
Such a deep and violent obsession can become dangerous.
Prince William and Princess Kate. Photo: Chris Jackson/AP
A member of staff at The London Clinic where Kate was treated tried to read her medical records without permission. He was prepared to commit a crime to satisfy his curiosity - or worse - to spread or sell the information about Kate's diagnosis.
The hospital has of course started an internal investigation. They have had both King Charles and Princess KatePrincess Kate as patients.
I'm watching an interview with the man who filmed Kate and William. His name is Nelson Silva and he is an ordinary 40-year-old father of small children and an engineer.
He caught sight of the couple as they stood choosing among the loaves of bread inside the shop. He didn't want to take any pictures of them in there, didn't want to disturb. But thought it was okay to film a few seconds in a public place by the parking lot.
Nelson Silva also can't understand why people don't believe that Kate is fine.
- This video clearly shows Kate and William. I saw them with my own eyes. It was a very relaxed situation, he says.
- What else is needed to stop harassing her? I thought they would shut up after this became known. But these people are so involved in the drama now. They have put so much time and energy into these rumors and lies that they cannot stop.
The hospital has of course started an internal investigation. They have had both King Charles and Princess KatePrincess Kate as patients.
I'm watching an interview with the man who filmed Kate and William. His name is Nelson Silva and he is an ordinary 40-year-old father of small children and an engineer.
He caught sight of the couple as they stood choosing among the loaves of bread inside the shop. He didn't want to take any pictures of them in there, didn't want to disturb. But thought it was okay to film a few seconds in a public place by the parking lot.
Nelson Silva also can't understand why people don't believe that Kate is fine.
- This video clearly shows Kate and William. I saw them with my own eyes. It was a very relaxed situation, he says.
- What else is needed to stop harassing her? I thought they would shut up after this became known. But these people are so involved in the drama now. They have put so much time and energy into these rumors and lies that they cannot stop.
The manipulated family picture that attracted a lot of attention all over the world. Photo: TT
I think there is a lot in Nelson Silva's theory. When a great drama unites many people, a monster is created. It grows bigger with each new detail in the development of events.
That community should not be dismissed. It says something about the times we live in now - and what binds us together.
Queen Elizabeth's motto "never complain, never explain" no longer works. A human mass creating a hurricane of gossip and drama on social media is stopped neither by the silence of the court nor by a shaky mobile film.
It will be interesting to see how the British royal house solves the problem. At Easter, Kate will be back on duty and the organization, school or event that is first on the royal schedule will have a tough time.
All eyes will be on Kate at her first appearance, all headlines will be about Kate, all discussions will be about Kate. There is a great risk that the real purpose of the princess's visit will be lost.
I don't think Kate should succumb to the pressure and give an interview or speak out on a podcast. If she wants to keep her operation private, she has every right to do so.
It would be best if we all got to see her for the first time on Easter Sunday during the traditional walk to St George's Chapel in Windsor. Then she is together with the rest of the royal family, can wave and smile at people - and show that she is above all rumors and speculation.
That community should not be dismissed. It says something about the times we live in now - and what binds us together.
Queen Elizabeth's motto "never complain, never explain" no longer works. A human mass creating a hurricane of gossip and drama on social media is stopped neither by the silence of the court nor by a shaky mobile film.
It will be interesting to see how the British royal house solves the problem. At Easter, Kate will be back on duty and the organization, school or event that is first on the royal schedule will have a tough time.
All eyes will be on Kate at her first appearance, all headlines will be about Kate, all discussions will be about Kate. There is a great risk that the real purpose of the princess's visit will be lost.
I don't think Kate should succumb to the pressure and give an interview or speak out on a podcast. If she wants to keep her operation private, she has every right to do so.
It would be best if we all got to see her for the first time on Easter Sunday during the traditional walk to St George's Chapel in Windsor. Then she is together with the rest of the royal family, can wave and smile at people - and show that she is above all rumors and speculation.
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