International photo agency explains disclaimer put on video of Kate Middleton sharing cancer diagnosis

Following a surge of conspiracy theories, Getty Images has now explained the disclaimer which had been added to a video of Kate Middleton's cancer treatment announcement.

On 22 March, the Princess of Wales announced that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

In a statement shared with the BBC, she explained that tests following a planned abdominal surgery found that cancer had been present.

"My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment," she said.

She also thanked the public for their support and asked for privacy for herself and her family during a challenging time.

Prior to the announcement, Kate hadn't been seen in public since Christmas 2023, resulting in a whirlwind of online rumours in regards to her whereabouts.

However, it appears that the rumours have persisted after eagle-eyed social media users noticed that international photo agency, Getty Images, had added a disclaimer to the footage on their website.

The short disclaimer reads: "This Handout clip was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images' editorial policy."

X/@KensingtonRoyal

This left some people convinced that this meant the agency wasn't confident that the video was authentic.

One person claimed on X: "Of course the Kate Middleton video was fake: Getty adds addendum that suggests video was not legitimate... Kensington Palace stumbling around in the dark."

While another asked: "Getty Images have placed an editor’s note on the video of Kate Middleton where she reveals she has cancer. The note states the footage ‘might not adhere to its editorial policy’.

"Why on earth have they done this?"

However, Getty has since clarified that the way the video was flagged was standard practice for any footage given to it by a third party - such as Kensington Palace.

X/@KensingtonRoyal

And some have taken to putting their own community notes to also reiterate this fact, with one saying: "This is a standard disclaimer that Getty Images uses when distributing video provided by a third party,” The Independent reports.

Kensington Palace have disclosed that the video was recorded by BBC Studios, just two days before its release to the public, with BBC Studios also issuing a short statement confirming this.

"BBC Studios filmed a message from the Princess of Wales at Windsor this week. We would like to wish Her Royal Highness a speedy recovery," it read.

And, while some conspiracy theorists remain, many Brits have been to quick to show their support for Kate following her health update.

One user commented: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and children," while another said: "Hopefully all the jokes/speculation on here will stop now.

"Very best wishes to you and your family."