Why Do People Think Catherine & William Are ‘Getting a Divorce’ after Her Cancer Announcement?

After Princess Catherine of Wales recently announced that she was battling a health issue, fans began responding to the news on social media. While there were some fans who expressed genuine care and concern for the princess, there were others who developed their own theories about what is going on within the royal family.

Princess Catherine at the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images

Princess Catherine at Outfit Moray, an award-winning charity in Moray, Scotland on November 02, 2023 |

Princess Catherine recently announced that she had been battling a cancer diagnosis after being notably absent from the public eye since January. The princess asked for privacy as she dealth with this challenge. The public’s reaction to this news has been a mixture of compassion, speculation, and some suspicion, leading to a series of rumors about the state of her marriage to Prince William.

Princess Catherine and Prince William at the «The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance» ceremony at Royal Albert Hall, in London, on November 11, 2023 |

Princess Catherine and Prince William at Outfit Moray, an award-winning charity in Moray, Scotland on November 02, 2023 |

Princess Catherine and Prince William at the SportsAid mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day on October 12, 2023

Princess Catherine and Prince William at the SportsAid mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day on October 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Social media has been particularly abuzz with chatter, where one tweet starkly stated, «Now I know they’re getting a divorce. they’re probably already separated on paper.» The absence of Prince William at Princess Catherine’s side during the announcement seemed to strike a chord with the public.

Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Grange Pavilion to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month on October 03, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

The royal family has been accused of withholding the truth, with comments about the situation ranging from concern to outright disbelief. Responses to the initial tweet echoed these sentiments, with phrases like «Kate had marital problems» and «valid point» surfacing amongst the conversation.

Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Grange Pavilion to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month on October 03, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Catherine and Prince William at a a service to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Davids Cathedral on September 8, 2023 in St Davids, Wales | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers 2025’s One Year To Go Winter Training Camp on February 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

The conjecture took a personal turn when individuals contrasted the behavior of Prince William with that of his brother, Harry. Observers pointed out that if Meghan Markle were in a similar situation, Harry would likely be right there, offering his hand for her to hold. The debate grew as people shared their observations, «it’s weird» that William was not by her side, which they believe most husbands would be in such circumstances.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers 2025’s One Year To Go Winter Training Camp on February 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

These online discussions quickly escalated as the public attempted to piece together the narrative, with another individual stating, that if Princess Catherine was well enough to sit down to give a statement about her health, she must also be well enough to sit down to take a photo with her husband. The commenter concluded that the entire statement was a facade for something else.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine before the The Diplomatic Reception in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace on December 05, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London on November 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

The X conversation was sparked after a CNN video surfaced showing a doctor talking about Princess Catherine’s condition. Anderson Cooper, conducting the interview with the doctor, asked how it was possible for Princess Catherine to get a cancer diagnosis after undergoing surgery.