Russian agencies that targeted Princess Kate to face punishment from UK Government

Princess Kate return has ‘sad’ element as she releases joint statement

GB News
Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 29/10/2024

- 12:05

The Princess of Wales ended online speculation after she revealed her cancer diagnosis in March

Russian agencies that targeted Princess Kate after she announced her cancer diagnosis will face punishment from the UK Government.

The Russian disinformation network, the Doppelganger group, was linked to spreading false rumours about the Princess of Wales in March earlier this year.


The group, made up of six Russian agencies and individuals, are accused of trying to incite division within countries supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia.

The Foreign Office described the group as a "vast malign online network" that aims to cause disruption and confusion by distributing fake news and undermining democracy.

Kate Middleton

Russian agencies that targeted Princess Kate to face punishment from UK Government

Getty / PA

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: "Putin is so desperate to undermine European support for Ukraine he is now resorting to clumsy, ineffective efforts to try and stoke unrest."

He added: "Today's sanctions send a clear message; we will not tolerate your lies and interference, and we are coming after you."

This was the Russian operation identified by security experts at Cardiff University identified the Russian operation as they pushed false online rumours about Kate.

The Princess of Wales revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, ending the online speculation.

Princess KatePrincess Kate has stepped back from royal duties for the time beingGetty

She has since announced she has completed her chemotherapy treatment and is now focused on staying "cancer-free" in a heartfelt video message released by Kensington Palace in September.

The Princess of Wales, alongside Prince William and their three children, appeared in the emotional video to update the public on her recovery from cancer.

Kate said: "I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.

"The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family."

Kate Middleton cancer video

Kate released a video to give fans an update on her health in September

KENSINGTON PALACE

She added: "The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you."

The French government also recognised the Doppelganger group trying to undermine French support for Ukraine and disrupting their elections.

Russia has denied all accusations of online interference surrounding the Royal Family and election interference.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine back in February 2022, The UK and other allies of Ukraine have imposed more than 16,500 sanctions on Russia targeting their economy.

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