The Princess of Wales was left “shocked and shaken” earlier this year after being targeted by a barrage of disturbing conspiracy theories online during one of the most vulnerable periods of her life. According to palace sources, the so-called “Sussex Squad” — a faction of extreme online supporters of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — promoted increasingly bizarre and hostile claims about Catherine’s absence from public life during her recovery from major abdominal surgery.

What began as concerned curiosity over the Princess’s health quickly morphed into viral speculation, some of which crossed into what royal insiders have described as “cruel, calculated harassment.” The online frenzy left the Princess not only hurt but deeply alarmed by the level of public hostility and the speed at which misinformation spread.

A Period of Recovery and Rumors

In January 2025, Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales had undergone “planned abdominal surgery” and would be taking a break from public duties until after Easter. While the palace provided minimal details — as is customary with royal medical matters — the Princess was, in fact, recovering from a significant medical procedure that required privacy and rest.

But in the absence of regular appearances or frequent updates, speculation filled the vacuum. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, users began questioning why the Princess had not been seen. Initially, the speculation was relatively benign — focusing on possible medical conditions. But by February, the online conversation had taken a far darker turn.

Enter the ‘Sussex Squad’

A particularly vocal online faction identifying as the “Sussex Squad” — dedicated supporters of Prince Harry and Meghan, often known for aggressive defense of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — seized on the moment to promote outlandish theories about the Princess’s condition, whereabouts, and even identity.

Some claimed she was in a coma; others suggested she was no longer alive and had been replaced by a body double. Several viral TikToks analyzed her posture in a brief car ride photo or zoomed in on her hands in an edited Mother’s Day image, suggesting deepfake manipulation or even government-level cover-ups. Hashtags like #WhereIsKate and #KateGate began trending internationally.

According to a royal insider, the Princess of Wales became aware of the storm shortly after returning home to Adelaide Cottage. “She was absolutely stunned — not just by the volume, but by the vitriol,” the source said. “It wasn’t idle gossip. It was people actively rooting for her to be gone. The cruelty was extreme.”

The Moment of Public Return

By March, the speculation reached fever pitch. The Princess released a carefully crafted video message in late March, confirming she was undergoing preventive cancer treatment. The disclosure silenced some critics, but others doubled down, claiming the video was fabricated or pre-recorded.

Royal commentator Roya Nikkhah wrote in The Times that the Princess had been “deeply hurt” by the online cruelty during a time of physical and emotional recovery. “She had expected public interest, of course. But not that level of virulence. It became vicious, personal, and conspiratorial.”

Online Radicalization and Echo Chambers

Experts in online behavior say the incident is part of a broader phenomenon where fandoms, tribalism, and social media algorithms feed into conspiracy culture.

Dr. Mia Farrell, a digital anthropologist at Oxford University, says the “Sussex Squad” began as a supportive community but has evolved into a reactionary force. “It’s no longer just about supporting Harry and Meghan,” Farrell explains. “It’s about attacking anyone they see as part of the so-called establishment — and Kate became a lightning rod.”

She likens the group’s behavior to political radicalization. “You see coordinated amplification, doxxing, and targeted harassment. There’s a line between skepticism and malicious conspiracy — and that line was crossed repeatedly.”

Pushback and Consequences

In the aftermath of the backlash, major media outlets including the BBC and The Guardian published opinion pieces defending the Princess’s right to medical privacy. Public figures such as TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and even previously skeptical influencers posted mea culpas after the cancer announcement, admitting they had been swept up in the hysteria.

Some social media platforms quietly began suppressing trending conspiracy hashtags, and a few high-profile accounts known for spreading falsehoods were suspended. But royal sources say the damage had already been done.

“It’s not just about reputational harm,” a palace aide noted. “It’s about the mental toll on someone who was already facing a major health battle. That kind of digital abuse leaves scars.”

A Palace Re-Evaluation

The episode has reportedly led to a broader discussion within the royal household about media strategy, transparency, and online safety. There is talk of a more proactive social media presence — not to respond to every rumor, but to avoid future information vacuums that conspiracists might exploit.

Meanwhile, the Princess continues her recovery away from the public eye, with appearances expected to resume gradually toward the end of the year, depending on medical advice.

A Lasting Impact

While the online furor has subsided, the experience has reportedly changed how the Princess views her role in the public sphere. “She now understands how dangerous silence can become in the digital age,” says royal historian Sarah Granger. “But she also saw the strength of the majority — the people who defended her, who cared, and who rallied when the truth came out.”

As the Princess of Wales continues her private battle, one thing is clear: what she endured was not simply a tabloid saga — it was a defining moment in the clash between royalty and the digital age.