Catherine, 42, said in a video message on Friday that she was having "preventative chemotherapy" after major abdominal surgery in January.
The statement followed weeks of frenzied rumour and conspiracy theory both on social media and in traditional media outlets.
Paddy Harverson, who was previously the official spokesperson of Kate and her husband, the Prince of Wales, said the speculation had reached new levels before Friday's announcement, which prompted a global outpouring of support.
Appearing on BBC One's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Harverson was asked whether social or mainstream media bore most responsibility for the pressure on Catherine.
He said: "Well, it feeds off itself... It's a sort of permanent doom loop. And it's the worst I've ever seen." Harverson, who was also communication secretary to the king when he was the Prince of Wales, said he believed the family would have made the announcement in the same way even without the pressure.
This story is from the March 25, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 25, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Labour Party lines up leader's allies to fill safe seats
Labour has opened applications for a string of safe seats after seven MPs announced last-minute retirements, with allies of party leader Keir Starmer expected to be lined up to take their places.
Labour vows to clear NHS waiting lists in five years
Labour has pledged to clear the NHS waiting list backlog within five years, with Wes Streeting warning the health service risks becoming \"a poor service for poor people\" while the wealthy shift to using private care.
News of the World paid women 'to shag celebrities', says Blunt
James Blunt claims the News of the World paid women to sleep with celebrities in order to get stories about their sexual performance.
Evans leaves in a flap after Rune defeat is punctuated by pigeons
British No 3 distracted by birds and argues with umpire during 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 loss
Nadal's mind has not reached the end, but will his body let him go on?
Despite physical ailments the Spanish great, 38 next week, feels he is making progress and is targeting the Olympics
Cricket ready to strike gold in the land of opportunity
Investors who made fortunes in Silicon Valley are behind latest attempt to put the sport into US mainstream
Farrell fires Saracens as he looks up to sign off in style
Talismanic captain targets the two victories that would lead his boyhood club to glory
Bright ready for long-awaited return after 'hardest' spell out
Millie Bright admits her recent spell on the sidelines was the most challenging period of her career as she prepares for her long-awaited England return.
Shareholders wait for bids to close on Royal Mail and Anglo American
Shareholders in Royal Mail's owner and the mining company Anglo American are waiting for the final deadline to pass today for firm offers that could see two of the UK's most prominent companies fall into foreign ownership.
'Pony up' The dinner that raised £73,000 to sway MPs
'You've sold concert tickets, you've sold sports tickets, you've sold football tickets, you've sold theatre tickets ... You've made money or you wouldn't be in this room.\"
