BBC defends Kate Middleton cancer report after complaints of 'excessive and insensitive' coverage

The BBC has defended its coverage of Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis after receiving several complaints that it was “exaggerated and insensitive”.

In a statement released Friday (via Variety), the BBC said its coverage “reflected the importance of this story and the outpouring of support for the princess from around the world. We explained to our audience what was known about Catherine's condition, but did not speculate on details that had not been made public.”

After months out of the limelight after undergoing abdominal surgery, Middleton revealed she had cancer in a video shared last March (BBC Studios actually shot the two-minute clip). Although Middleton did not specify what type of cancer she had, she said she had started chemotherapy and preventive treatment. The announcement ended months of gossip, speculation and even conspiracies about her health, fueled in part by an apparent Photoshopping of the Mother's Day photo.

In its statement, the BBC said it was “careful at all times to approach our coverage with sensitivity”. The broadcaster acknowledged that, as part of its analysis, there were discussions about “the intense speculation there has been in recent weeks about the princess's health”. However, the BBC also noted that it reported on “Middleton's request for privacy and detailed the statement from Kensington Palace about the princess having a right to privacy in relation to her medical matters”.

The statement concluded: “We always carefully consider the editorial decisions we make. While we have a responsibility to report stories that interest our audience, we appreciate that not everyone would have approved of the approach we took.”

Following the announcement of her cancer diagnosis, a Kensington Palace spokesperson released a joint statement on behalf of Middleton and Prince William, saying they were “overwhelmed by the kind messages” they had received. “They are extremely touched by the public's warmth and support and are grateful for your understanding of their request for privacy at this time,” the statement continued.