Kate Middleton Frenzy Is the ‘Curse of Being a Modern Royal,’ Former Palace Aide Says (Exclusive)

The recent Mother’s Day photo controversy involving Kate Middleton is emblematic of the modern appetite for information about the royal family.

A former palace aide disclosed to PEOPLE, “There was no ill intent, but it brought to light a pent-up desire for information – unfortunately, this is the challenge of being a modern royal.”

The release of a family photo of Princess Kate with her children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – on March 10 intensified the public interest, especially after suspicions of photo manipulation led to the withdrawal of the image by various global news agencies.

In response, Kate issued an apology, acknowledging her occasional use of editing with the hope that the misunderstanding could be cleared up.

The scrutiny facing Princess Kate and Prince William only intensified, highlighting a shift in public perception that they had not encountered before. This level of intense scrutiny is not unfamiliar to members of the British royal family, with Meghan Markle opening up about the harsh treatment she faced on social media during her pregnancies. The Duchess of Sussex described the experience as not merely catty, but cruel and hateful.

The royal couple’s experience with media scrutiny reflected a larger pattern within the royal family. Prince Harry highlighted the manipulation and leakage of stories within the royal communications team, with negative narratives being allowed to persist despite being known to be untrue. This media frenzy became untenable for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, ultimately leading them to seek a way out.

Princess Kate’s health situation took a more serious turn as she announced that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis after her recent surgery. The news marked a significant departure from the royal family’s usual approach, presenting them as fallible human beings facing personal challenges. Despite the difficult circumstances, Kate’s tight-knit circle of support will rally around her as she focuses on her treatment.