Why Jessie J Broke Royal Protocol to Hug Kate Middleton

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Jessie J and Kate Middleton are royally connected.

Jessie J recently explained why she broke royal rules by hugging Princess Kate after last month’s Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall. She said she decided to hug Kate even though she had been advised not to.

Jessie recently shared on This Morning that she felt moved to hug another woman who had publicly battled cancer. She explained that in that moment, she didn’t see the woman’s royal title – though she was aware of it and acted respectfully – she just saw another person who understood what it’s like to face that challenge.

Jessie J, who revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in June, explained that she asked Kate for her consent before embracing her.

As she explained, “I said to her, ‘Can I give you a hug?’ and she received it.”

Jessie remembered telling Kate, ‘It’s inspiring,’ after Kate shared the wonderful news that her cancer was in remission at the start of 2025. Knowing what Kate had been through, Jessie simply wanted to offer a supportive hug – a gesture of empathy from one mother to another, and one person to another.

The Grammy-nominated artist, who shares 2-year-old son Sky with her boyfriend Chanan Safir Colman, had previously hinted at a short conversation they had at the event.

As reported by The Independent in November, she stated, “We understand this is a difficult situation, particularly when it happens publicly.”

Kate Middleton shares three children – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 – with Prince William. While Kate has mostly kept the details of her cancer diagnosis private, William recently discussed the challenges of going through this difficult time with their kids.

Speaking with Eugene Levy on Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler, the Prince of Wales explained that everyone deals with difficult situations differently, and children are always learning and adjusting. He shared that he and his family prioritize providing their children with a safe and secure environment, and they maintain open communication about their worries and concerns. However, he acknowledged that it’s impossible to fully predict the impact of these conversations.

Kate Middleton shares three children – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 – with Prince William. While Kate has largely kept the details of her cancer diagnosis private, William recently discussed the challenges of going through this difficult time with their kids.

Speaking with Eugene Levy on Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler, the Prince of Wales explained that children all deal with difficult situations in their own ways, constantly learning and adjusting. He and his family prioritize providing their children with a sense of security and openly discuss their worries and concerns, though he acknowledged it’s impossible to predict the long-term impact of these conversations.

He added that it’s crucial to support one another and let kids know that things are alright.

Keep reading for more stars who have opened up about their cancer battles…

 

The former All My Children actor revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, making this his third time battling the disease.

I was so relieved to hear, for the third time in February 2025, that he’s finally cancer-free! After everything he’s been through – the surgery and treatments – it’s just amazing news, especially considering how devastating things looked before.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he reminded his followers that difficulties don’t define them—they are much more than their struggles. He explained that while he experiences fear, anxiety, and carries emotional wounds, he accepts these parts of himself, believing that acknowledging them is the key to healing and growth.

In December 2024, the star of The Golden Bachelor announced he had been diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s no cure for his condition, which has deeply affected all of his choices. He described feeling completely overwhelmed when he first learned about it, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially struggled to accept the diagnosis.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now cancer-free.

The Vanderpump Rules star shared with fans at the end of 2018 that she had some cancer removed and underwent biopsies of her lymph nodes. She happily reported that she was now cancer-free.

In September 2018, the actress known for her role in Desperate Housewives publicly shared that she was a survivor of anal cancer. She posted on Instagram that revealing her experience – including a photo and the hashtags #cancer and #hairloss – made her feel incredibly relieved, free, and authentic.

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment. His representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors have declared him cured after surgery.

As someone who really prioritizes skin health, I always share the importance of regular check-ups. Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, actually battled basal cell carcinoma three times, with his last treatment being back in 2014. Thankfully, his team let everyone know he’s completely recovered and doing well now, which is such a relief!

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering more basal cell carcinomas. He used the opportunity to remind everyone in the northern hemisphere that summer was approaching and to be sure to protect their skin with sunscreen.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was SO relieved to hear that my absolute favorite former Housewife, she’s officially one year cancer-free as of January! It feels like forever ago that she first shared her battle with endometrial cancer – it was back in 2013, and she was SO brave going through a total hysterectomy. I’m just so happy she’s doing well and thriving!

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

The celebrity chef from Britain revealed he had skin cancer treated with a procedure, sharing photos of the stitches – a line running from below his ear to his jaw – which he later covered with a bandage.

Gordon shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he was thankful for the amazing team at The Skin Associates, who quickly removed his Basal Cell Carcinoma. He also reminded everyone to wear sunscreen this weekend.

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

The actress known for her role in Avengers: Age of Ultron fought ovarian cancer at 25 and later had two children with her husband, Taran Killam, despite the challenges.

A television personality announced he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

The cohost of Dancing with the Stars recently had successful surgery to treat thyroid cancer. She shared on Twitter, thanking everyone for their support and letting fans know she’s home and resting.

The actress shared some amazing news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she’s cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, exclaiming, ‘#wootothemotherfkinhoo!’

The actress from Up All Night is now cancer-free after completing treatment, which included a double mastectomy. Doctors confirmed she has no remaining signs of breast cancer.

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In October 2011, the Australian actress shared that doctors had removed a cancerous mole from her calf. She explained that her husband had urged her to get the mark checked, leading to the diagnosis and removal.

The man from Scotland is doing well and enjoying his hobby of trainspotting again after successfully having a cancerous mole removed from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having skin cancer removed from under his left eye in 2008, the CNN journalist almost certainly protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor from 7th Heaven was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

The actress, best known for her role on ER, stepped away from Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer. Thankfully, her treatment worked, and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She used this experience to highlight how important regular check-ups are and bravely fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was given a clean bill of health the next year.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in roughly 400 films since then.

In 2007, the Good Morning America cohost bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

I’ve always been in awe of this cyclist. To think, he faced stage-four testicular cancer and still came back to win seven Tour de France titles in a row! It’s an incredible story of strength and determination, and truly inspiring to watch.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar winner dedicated herself to activism and became a source of inspiration for others.

After battling breast cancer, comedian Judy Carter turned her experiences into a funny and relatable one-woman show called God Said Ha!, which became a Broadway hit.

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2025-12-03 20:20