It has been an undeniably difficult year for the British royal family in 2024. One member who has been heavily in the spotlight and on everyone’s minds is Princess Catherine of Wales. Every upcoming royal engagement generates anticipation as the public hopes to see signs of the Princess’s recovery. Thus, any tidbit of news regarding her condition captures widespread interest.

Recently, an insider said to be close to the Prince and Princess of Wales revealed that Catherine is nearing the completion of her cancer treatment. The doctors believe she is responding positively, as evidenced by her appearances at Wimbledon and Trooping the Colour this summer. Making two public outings before the summer recess signalled to observers that she is doing well. Privately, sources say there is significant optimism and positivity surrounding her condition, though her recovery is still ongoing.

However, a new and troubling rumor started circulating on social media following details of Catherine’s plans to spend time in Scotland with her family this summer. Her decision to leave England and head to the Scottish Highlands illustrated how comfortable she felt continuing her recovery away from the public eye. Yet on Tuesday, she found herself under fresh attacks for having the “sheer bloody gall” to take a holiday.

It is understandable why some aggressive social media users would feel emboldened to disrespect the Princess in such a way. However, Catherine deserves privacy as she spends precious time with her children during a difficult journey with cancer. The situation distressingly mirrors events in February and March, when Twitter and Facebook were flooded with outlandish speculation about the state of the Prince’s marriage and Catherine’s whereabouts amidst her undiagnosed illness.

Thankfully, the nonsense somewhat subsided once her cancer diagnosis was confirmed. But an unsettling undercurrent persistently circulated online, speculating about hidden truths. At her first public appearance of the year at the Queen’s annual birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, social platforms were saturated with ludicrous assertions that her illness had just been an elaborate ruse to recover from cosmetic work. Now with these holiday rumors, the digital mob is at it once more, wielding pitchforks at a mother of three battling a serious disease.

Sadly, social media is rarely a compassionate space offering solace. The recent vitriol directed at the Royal Family has irrefutably proven certain corners of Twitter and Facebook can fostering troubling toxicity. While it continues to be an understandably worrying season for the Waleses, signs point to Catherine responding positively to her ongoing cancer treatment. Sources also note

The Princess has consistently demonstrated openness about her health struggles. She remains very close with King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, knowing they will support her need to rest when needed. Camilla herself recently travelled to join the King at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where the Royal Family typically spends their summers.

According to reliable royal sources, Camilla headed to Balmoral Estate on Friday to meet with the Monarch. The estate holds deep personal significance as the location of Charles and Camilla’s honeymoon in 2005. Described as an ideal retreat, Balmoral provides respite for the King during his own wife’s cancer journey. The grounds offer a private oasis where the royal couple can relax and reconnect away from public responsibilities.

Balmoral has long been a treasured second home for both Charles and Camilla. Not only does it hold fond memories of their honeymoon, but also experiences they cherish spending together privately. However, Balmoral Castle isn’t solely a favorite for the King and Queen Consort. It also hosted the honeymoons of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, as well as Prince Edward and Sophie, and Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvy.

While awaiting other family’s arrival at Balmoral next week, Their Majesties are said to currently reside privately at the on-site Birkhall residence. Even amongst 52 bedrooms at the estate’s castle, Charles and Camilla prefer the intimate accommodations where they can relax through the summer apart from the pressures of the crown but surrounded by scenic Highlands beloved by the Windsors for generations.