Royal Fans Demand Answers After Kate Middleton Seemingly Contradicts Common Cancer Guidance
When Kate Middleton visited the hospital where she underwent cancer treatment this week, it was meant to be a show of "support" for patients, but some have taken issue with her remarks.
The Princess of Wales returned to The Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Tuesday, Jan. 14, to speak with patients, sharing what she learned from her own experience being treated at the same facility.
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"I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that's going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time," she told one patient, as Good Morning America first reported.
"There is light at the end of that tunnel, very nice to meet you and best of luck. You are in the best of hands," she assured the woman.
Middleton also opened up about how she personally found ways to cope when she was undergoing treatment.
"Everyone said to me please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference," she said, adding, "I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight."
Some social media users took issue with the mention of "loads of sunlight," noting that chemotherapy can increase sensitivity to the sun.
"What kind of chemotherapy patient gets advised to enjoy sunlight????" one X user wanted to know, adding in part, don't advise people to do things that can be dangerous to them. This is not ok!"
Related: Kate Middleton Returns to Hospital Where She Received Cancer Treatment
"All the medications that my daughter is on while treating her leukemia say the exact opposite of this," another person wrote. "If you are battling cancer please don’t take [this] advice," they continued, "'Loads of sunlight' will literally burn you, because most chemo drugs (& antibiotics) cause sun sensitivity."
All the medications that my daughter is on while treating her leukemia say the exact opposite of this. If you are battling cancer please don’t take advice from this fraud. “Loads of sunlight” will literally burn you, because most chemo drugs (& antibiotics) cause sun sensitivity. pic.twitter.com/aAAead6c89
— Shota’s Sugar Cookie (@APseudonymous_) January 14, 2025
"Every cancer patient I know including my sister were advised to stay out of sunlight in case of adverse effects to their treatment. This is disgusting that cancer charities will allow this misinformation to go unchallenged. People will try to copy this ridiculous statement!" a third declared, with someone else pointing out that "Catherine's PR team" must have "forgot to advise her accordingly."
Some fans defended the royal, however, pointing out that her comments might have been misconstrued.
"I don’t think she meant the words quite literally to bake in the sun but that a nice day helps," a different user suggested.
"She's NOT on treatment now, so has probably been told sunlight is OK. I was told exactly the same after finishing treatment for Breast Cancer," another fan shared, adding, "Sunlight at appropriate times with protection, leads to good VIT D levels."
Experts recommend anyone who is to spend any amount of time outdoors take proper precautions from the sun–especially those undergoing cancer treatment.
According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, chemotherapy increases sun sensitivity, putting patients at risk for burns—which means it's important for those undergoing cancer treatment to take precautions whenever they're outside.
The same goes for radiation, Lynne Eldridge, MD, warned in a 2024 article published by Verywell Health.
"If you've had radiation therapy, you may wish to consider sun protection a long term goal," Eldridge noted. "Not only could a predisposition to burning last far beyond your last treatment, but the combination of radiation damage to your skin and sun damage could increase your risk of developing skin cancer."
Additionally, guidance from the Mayo Clinic in 2023 echoed these sentiments.
"If you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, the biggest risk is excessive sun exposure," the article notes. "Radiation therapy can cause dryness, itching, redness and blistering of the skin. Sun exposure could worsen these effects and cause increased discomfort."
Next: Prince William Lauds Kate Middleton for "Remarkable" Strength in Birthday Tribute