Kate, Princess of Wales, put an end to widespread speculation and rumors about her fate last week, announcing in a video message that she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer and is “doing well and getting stronger every day.” However, a new conspiracy theory has surfaced online that her video may have been a “deepfake using artificial intelligence (AI).”
Duchess Kate has dominated headlines around the world with her absence from the spotlight since undergoing abdominal surgery in January, leading to rumors and bizarre conspiracy theories about her whereabouts.
But on March 23, the Princess of Wales put an end to all speculation when she revealed in a video released by Kensington Palace that she was undergoing cancer treatment.
The video showed the Duchess sitting on a bench in the gardens of Windsor Palace, with cherry blossoms and daffodils in the background. She was wearing a black and white striped sweater, blue jeans, and her hair was messy.
she said When she underwent abdominal surgery, there was no known cancer.
“However, post-surgery tests revealed that cancer was present, so my medical team advised me to undergo preventive chemotherapy, and I am currently in the early stages of that treatment.”
However, the video message has sparked new conspiracy theories on social media, with some suggesting the footage may be an “AI-powered deepfake” and asking why there are leaves and grass in the background. I’m even wondering if it’s not working.
of AFP News Agency Some social media users also posted slowed-down versions of the video, saying it was “digitally manipulated.”
This claim has not been formally verified.
Several others also questioned the princess’ lack of dimples on her cheeks, which were prominent in other images.
One social media user posted to X: “Is this real? Or was it generated by AI? Look at the background?”
Another user commented: “Sorry Windsor House, Kate Middleton[and]Legacy Media. I’m still not going to buy what you’re selling.”
“Actually, I’m sorry, but you’ve all read The Call of the Wolf Boy, right?” he said in another tweet.
Another social media user said: “Intrigued by ‘Kate Gate’. Alleged photo-manipulation that allegedly falsified a family photo with Duchess Kate’s head from the cover of Vogue magazine. And now Kate… has announced that he is battling cancer, but this is doubtful,” he tweeted. AI video. I was curious about this part…”
Following the cancer announcement, Britain’s King Charles III said he was “very proud” of his daughter-in-law’s strength to publicly reveal her diagnosis.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden also expressed their wishes and support for the Duchess.
In response, the princess said she was “very touched” by the “warmth and support” of the public and “thankful” for understanding her request for privacy while undergoing treatment.
The duchess also emphasized that she took the time to explain the situation to her three children before announcing the diagnosis.
Days before the video message was published, Britain’s Sun newspaper published photos and videos of the Princess of Wales looking “happy, relaxed and healthy” next to her husband at a farmer’s market in Windsor. did.
However, astute social media users raised a number of issues with the shot of the royal couple, with some claiming that the woman was a copy of the Duchess of Cambridge.
Rumors have surfaced of an affair between Prince William and Sarah Rose Hanbury, Duchess of Cholmondeley, during Duchess Kate’s long absence.
However, Rose Hanbury has finally broken her silence on the alleged speculation.
The actress, who is a close friend of Prince William and Duchess Kate, said: business insider“That rumor is completely false.”
Her disappearance comes after a photo of Duchess Kate and her children published in the UK on Mother’s Day, March 10, was retracted by a major news organization earlier this month after claims it was edited or generated by AI. Speculation about this has intensified.
She apologized for the “confusion” surrounding the photo, saying, “Like many amateur photographers, I also experiment with editing from time to time.”
(Information provided by AFP)
