Kate later revealed that she had undergone planned abdominal surgery, was diagnosed with cancer, and had been receiving treatment privately.

According to Hardman, given the events of the past year, it’s understandable that the Princess chose to handle things differently.

“It was a really ludicrous, over-exaggerated response to something, particularly in an industry where doctored photos of celebrities are routine…” he told HELLO! on 31 March.

“They [the Wales’] grasped it very quickly. There was a quick turnaround the next day where I think she apologised. And I think that was the right thing to do.”

The royal commentator added, “And in the same way that the picture was very hands-on, so was the response.

“She took it on the chin, she dealt with it, and that was the end of it.

“I would have thought for her and for her and William, that’s got to be one of the sort of the low points of what he [William] called a ‘brutal year.'”

Kate’s 2025 video bears some resemblance to the one she shared in September, where she announced she had completed chemotherapy.

That earlier clip featured William along with their three children, capturing the Wales family enjoying nature—walking through the woods and sharing affectionate moments, with the couple holding hands and embracing.

“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can,” Kate said in the video. “Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”

In January, she shared the good news that her cancer is now in remission.