# What do the dopers think of the Kate Middleton brouhaha **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 11, 2024, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723 "2024-03-11T23:52:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 20
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/381 "2024-03-22T22:56:13Z")
Post 368. I was just making an observation. Not calling anyone in particular out. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/382 "2024-03-22T23:15:58Z")
Ah, evidently I don’t know how to spell it so my search turned up empty. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/383 "2024-03-22T23:20:00Z")
> [@Johanna](#): > > They coulda just come out and said so in the first place. It isn’t like they lacked a precedent: Big Chuck had just announced the same thing. What was the need to be coy? Coincidences happen. > > To be fair, I inferred from today’s announcement that they were trying to break it to the kids very slowly. Mismanage your announcements, get a brouhaha. Crazy-ass world, huh? You just can’t win. The explanation was that they waited until the children were home for spring break. Perhaps not a coincidence that they also announced she would resume public appearances after Easter. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/384 "2024-03-22T23:23:55Z")
I wasn’t sure what the correct spelling was either. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/385 "2024-03-22T23:46:28Z")
So, does “cancer” have different connotations in the UK than in the US? I mean, 50 years ago it was different in the US. But today, it just seems really weird to say, “she has cancer”. There are so many different cancers, some that are basically always cured, and others that pretty much always kill you, and the rest spread out in between. I understand saying, “her health is private, myob”. And i understand saying, “she has breast cancer” (an example specifically chosen to be extremely unlikely, given it was diagnosed after abdominal surgery. This is just an example, not a guess.) But i really don’t understand saying, “she has cancer”. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/386 "2024-03-22T23:48:58Z")
Seems like they should’ve said “She has _a_ cancer” I’m guessing of course, but I think it’s cervical cancer. ---
**Author:** ![Deanna\_D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e495f1/32.png) [@Deanna\_D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deanna_D)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/387 "2024-03-23T00:50:41Z")
And to everyone in this thread who said anything along the lines of, “She’s in the public eye…she knew what she was getting into…and the people have a right to know…the taxpayers fund the royals…” Please explain to me now how anyone has the right to make a young mother have to explain to anyone that she has cancer, and may or may not have the chance to watch her children grow up? And how anyone feels like they have the right to have her trotted out in front of a camera to share her very personal ordeal with the entire world? We, as a society, need to do better and show a little empathy and respect. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/388 "2024-03-23T01:00:27Z")
I totally agree with you. Seems the better way to be. But persons in the public _should_ know this is gonna happen. It’s sad but the public wants to know. It’s not their right to know. That’s not gonna stop the lookyloos from looking or in these days snapping video of them. It’s the world we’re in. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/389 "2024-03-23T01:00:36Z")
> [@Deanna\_D](#): > > And to everyone in this thread who said anything along the lines of, “She’s in the public eye…she knew what she was getting into…and the people have a right to know…the taxpayers fund the royals…” Please explain to me now how anyone has the right to make a young mother have to explain to anyone that she has cancer, and may or may not have the chance to watch her children grow up? And how anyone feels like they have the right to have her trotted out in front of a camera to share her very personal ordeal with the entire world? > > We, as a society, need to do better and show a little empathy and respect. Good luck fighting against human nature. It’s not about the right to know. It’s not about the right to privacy. It’s the reality that the information will get out. Trying to hide the information makes things worse. Covering up the situation with a fake picture will make things worse. Fighting against reality makes things worse. ---
**Author:** ![Deanna\_D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e495f1/32.png) [@Deanna\_D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deanna_D)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/390 "2024-03-23T01:10:55Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > It’s the world we’re in. And we’re the ones who made it that way. I’m not saying that it’s wrong to be curious about the lives of the famous, but it is wrong to feel like we can demand to know private details. That being said, the photoshopped pic and the glib explanation of how the pic got out made things much worse. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/391 "2024-03-23T01:35:48Z")
Yes, the problem isn’t that she didn’t immediately announce that she was being treated for cancer. That’s perfectly understandable, especially given the explanation that she wanted to explain the situation to the children before releasing the news. The problem was caused solely by the ridiculous fabricated photo. Knowing what we know now, I can’t figure out what the intention of that was. Surely they didn’t expect to be able to cover up her entire multi-month treatment with fabricated photos. What was the story going to be? “She’s keeping out of the public eye for a half year for reasons we won’t explain, but here’s photographic proof that she’s just fine?” ---
**Author:** ![FlikTheBlue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fliktheblue/32/10972_2.png) [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/392 "2024-03-23T02:04:40Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Seems like they should’ve said “She has _a_ cancer” > > I’m guessing of course, but I think it’s cervical cancer. That makes the most sense for why they don’t want to specify what type of cancer. If I had to guess that would be my guess as well. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/393 "2024-03-23T02:07:03Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > But i really don’t understand saying, “she has cancer”. For what it’s worth, while it was announced publicly last month that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer, in that case, too, no additional details on what sort of cancer has been specified. ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/394 "2024-03-23T02:39:50Z")
What type of cancer either the King or the Princess has is IMO no one’s business who isn’t directly involved (patient, close family/friends they CHOOSE to discuss it with, their medical team(s), etc.) ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/395 "2024-03-23T02:41:27Z")
> [@Seanette](#): > > What type of cancer either the King or the Princess has is IMO no one’s business who isn’t directly involved Completely agreed. I had only noted what I did, in response to @puzzlegal, as the lack of specificity in Kate’s announcement is at least consistent with what was announced by the royal family in relation to Charles’ diagnosis. ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/396 "2024-03-23T02:43:41Z")
Sorry if you thought I was grumping at you specifically. I wasn’t, that was a general grumble to the nosy types who feel entitled to every intimate detail of a famous person’s life. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/397 "2024-03-23T02:46:53Z")
Her remarks in her statement about people with cancer not to lose hope and they were not alone was very nice. She could really champion this cause and do a bunch of good. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/398 "2024-03-23T04:45:49Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > > [@Seanette](#): > > > > What type of cancer either the King or the Princess has is IMO no one’s business who isn’t directly involved > > Completely agreed. I had only noted what I did, in response to @puzzlegal, as the lack of specificity in Kate’s announcement is at least consistent with what was announced by the royal family in relation to Charles’ diagnosis. And i knew that. That’s why i asked my question. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > So, does “cancer” have different connotations in the UK than in the US? I mean, 50 years ago it was different in the US. But today, it just seems really weird to say, “she has cancer”. There are so many different cancers, some that are basically always cured, and others that pretty much always kill you, and the rest spread out in between. > > I understand saying, “her health is private, myob”. And i understand saying, “she has breast cancer” (an example specifically chosen to be extremely unlikely, given it was diagnosed after abdominal surgery. This is just an example, not a guess.) But i really don’t understand saying, “she has cancer”. That just seems like a weird level of detail to give. I understand, “she’s being treated by her doctors, and doesn’t want to discuss it in public”. And i understand “she is being treated for breast cancer”. But i don’t get " she is being treated for cancer". But that’s what they’ve said for both her and the king. It just seems strange. Also, while she doesn’t owe the general public any details of her medical conditions, she certainly knew, when she married into the family, that the public would seek that kind of information. I feel bad for her that she has cancer, but I don’t really feel bad for her that she has to deal with nosy reporters and a nosy public. It comes with the territory, and unlike her husband and her kids, she chose to enter that territory. With any luck, she can use that interest to her benefit. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/399 "2024-03-23T04:58:23Z")
I had guessed wrong, I was assuming it was a hysterectomy. But I would not have asked, it’s not my business. I hope she gets well and that folks leave her alone for a while. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723/400 "2024-03-23T05:03:46Z")
Exactly. I posted the same earlier in the thread. She had to be informed every detail of your life will now be scrutinized. In fact I think her and Williams engagement may have been put off about the press for awhile. They had a short break-up before actually getting engaged. So knowing ahead and jumping in anyway is on the person. Still she has ability and I guess some personal autonomy to say and do as she pleases. (Unless the palace has rules I’m not privy to) But it will get speculated on. It’s just how it is. Of course I feel sorry for her going through the illness and the kids needing to be told. The stress can’t be good for any of that. Still, she knew or was told beforehand, this is how it’s gonna be. For the rest of your life. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723.md?page=19) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723.md?page=21)