The news of Kate Middleton’s cancer was called an “extraordinary situation” for the British monarchy

A day earlier, the 42-year-old princess opened up about her battle with cancer in an emotional video message after weeks of tirelessly monitoring her health.

This was a bold step, CNN notes. The video—simply filmed on a bench in front of the spring foliage—showed Kate sharing her story with heart, on her own terms and in her own words. It was really nice to hear her talk so simply and openly about what she was experiencing. This decision to engage with the public on her own would be a decision she made in consultation with her husband, Prince William, who is heir to the British throne.

The princess admitted it had been a difficult few weeks. Interest in Kate, who disappeared from public view over Christmas, continued this week after reports emerged that staff at the hospital where she was treated in January may have tried to illegally access her personal medical records. It remains unclear whether the alleged data leak was successful, but three people are reportedly under investigation.

The grim development follows an unprecedented storm of unfounded conspiracy theories that erupted due to a lack of details surrounding her operation in January, exacerbated by William’s unusual absence from his godfather’s funeral in late February and Kate’s admission that she had edited a photo posted by the family on the occasion of Mother’s Day. in the UK earlier this month.

Information about her health brings new perspective to this photo and the events of the past few weeks. The official version was that she was recovering from abdominal surgery, when the reality was much more serious. Once again, the royal family may face some difficult questions about what they decide to reveal to the public and when.

It is also an extraordinary moment for the British monarchy. The institution is now facing one of its biggest crises in recent memory, with two of its most senior family members effectively out of commission. It also leaves Prince William and Queen Camilla to lead the monarchy while caring for their spouses.

The future queen’s cancer diagnosis comes on the heels of King Charles III’s own health struggles, which came to light in early February – less than a year after his coronation. The 75-year-old monarch has also decided to temporarily step back from public duties as he undergoes treatment for cancer (though behind the scenes he continues to fulfill his constitutional obligations).

With Britain still coming to terms with the king’s diagnosis, it may be even more shocking to learn about Kate’s condition given her relative youth. To her loyal supporters, she is the epitome of good health, beauty and perfection. Since marrying into the family in 2011, she has rarely made mistakes and has established herself as a reliable figure in “the firm.” This security has now been replaced by a vulnerability that unsettles this stable institution of royal power.

Many will remember her standing outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London – the de facto maternity ward for royal births – hours after giving birth to each of her three children. She is beloved for her poise and timeless elegance, making her one of the most popular faces in the family, CNN notes.

Her health problems are an unexpected reminder that while she is a public servant and a brand, she is also human and vulnerable.

Many of the bizarre and outlandish conspiracies that have been discussed without much attention lately have dehumanized her. She became the subject of media attention, much like the previous holder of her title, Diana, the late Princess of Wales.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak summed up what many are thinking right now moments after Kate’s revelation.

“In recent weeks she has been the subject of intense scrutiny and unfair treatment from certain media outlets around the world and on social media,” he said in a statement Friday night.

Sunak said the Princess of Wales had the “love and support of the whole country” and called for her to be given “privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”

Kate was expected to return to official duties after Easter, but will delay her return until her medical team clears her to do so, a royal source told CNN on Friday. The source added that she may appear in public occasionally if she finds the strength. In such cases, the decision to visit will be made at the last minute and will take people by surprise.

Additionally, we don’t expect any updates from Kensington Palace unless her condition suddenly improves or worsens, CNN notes. The palace is also not expected to provide any additional medical details, such as the type of cancer or its stage.

From the institution’s perspective, the deal is this: You, the public, have video to get the most comprehensive health information the institution has to offer. In return, give the family some time to recover.

The line of succession to the throne is now under intense pressure from the very top. Prince William, whom Kate described as “a great source of comfort and reassurance,” will continue to juggle caring for his wife and children while maintaining his social schedule.

He will have the support of Queen Camilla and seven other lesser-known royals, but as next in line to the throne, his presence is needed to reassure the nation that the crown is strong.

What was clear from Kate’s video message is that the couple’s priority is their family. They both knew her news would cause huge public interest, but her words made it clear that they were trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy for their children, George, Charlotte and Louis.

CNN believes the Prince and Princess of Wales wanted to wait until their young children were out of school for the Easter holidays before making the announcement.

Kate is said to be in good spirits and firmly focused on her recovery, but in her heartfelt statement she urged the public to “understand that we as a family need some time, space and privacy right now.”

This space will pose a challenge to the international media, most of whom will want to show sensitivity and respect for the princess. But if in the UK the press reacts to Kate’s request with understanding, then whether the same will happen with the international paparazzi remains to be seen.

While the latest developments won’t erase all the online hysteria surrounding the princess, having a clearer timeline of what Kate has been going through since January has already helped take some of the edge off some of the more outlandish speculation.

There has been an outpouring of support and sympathy since Kate shared what she’s going through, and perhaps her words will help change the way the world reacts as wild conspiracy theories run rampant on social media.