Kate Middleton's brutal dilemma in the aftermath of cancer diagnosis

The scrutiny of Kate Middleton in the build up to her cancer revelation has been widely criticised, with one expert saying she was left in a no-win situation with the decision of when to announce her diagnosis.

The Princess of Wales has been the source of a wave of unsubstantiated rumours after she almost vanished from the public eye following abdominal surgery. It has since been revealed that surgery led to the detection of cancer in Kate's body.

Professor of Public Communication Jim Macnamara at the University of Technology Sydney told Yahoo Lifestyle Australia the British media had likely "gone overboard" with their Kate coverage, "whipping themselves and the nation into a frenzy" in the process.

Prof Macnamara said Kate was in an unfortunate position in deciding when to announce the diagnosis, pointing out whenever she announced it, she was always going to face intense speculation from the public and media.

"Had Kate or the Palace revealed Kate’s medical condition immediately or soon after leaving hospital, would things be any different? No, she and her children would have been subjected to months of speculation about her cancer at a time when they needed to be together away from public duties and the public gaze," he said.

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UK PM slams lack of privacy for Kate Middleton

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in hindsight, it was clear the Princess of Wales had been "unfairly treated".

“In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media," he said on Friday.

“When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family."

Labour leader Keir Starmer echoed Sunak's remarks, adding he was dismayed by the "added stress" that "lurid speculation" about her health had brought. He did, however, say it was positive to see Kate appear optimistic in her address.

The furore surrounding Kate's manipulated portrait with her three children only fuelled rumours, with TJ Thomson, visual media and communication expert at RMIT University, telling Yahoo Lifestyle the decision to film her cancer announcement with the BBC was wise in rebuilding trust with the public.

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