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Nicola Sturgeon's sister posted Kate health update before official announcement

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Nicola Sturgeon and sister Gillian, who came under criticism on Friday for hinting at Kate
Nicola Sturgeon and sister Gillian, who came under criticism on Friday for hinting at Kate's serious illness 25 minutes before the official announcement (Image: Kirsty Stewart)

The sister of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon broke news of Kate's serious illness on social media 25 minutes before the official announcement.

Gillian Sturgeon posted a "get well soon" message at 5.35pm on Facebook hinting at the Princess's cancer on Friday evening. Taking to the platform, she wrote: "Get well soon Princess Kate. After this awful news I hope the media leave her in peace to recover."

Kate's video message announcing she had been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer was posted by Kensington Palace at 6pm. She later backpedalled and deleted the post after facing criticism for sharing the news before the Princess revealed her condition, blocking "trolls" who hit back at her.

Gillian's elder sister Nicola meanwhile is still a serving member of the Privy Council, a role she has held since 2014 when she took over the premiership from Alex Salmond. His Majesty's Privy Council is a panel of elected officials serving as advisors to the sovereign, and has existed in some format since the 13th century.

It's currently chaired by Lord President Penny Mordaunt, who carried the Sword of State into Westminster Abbey during last year's Coronation procession. The council is there to serve as a link between elected politicians and the sovereign.

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After posting the likely well-intentioned 'get well soon' post, Gillian was asked if her "revolting" sister had told her about Kate's cancer given her position on the council. In turn she claimed she had read the news online. "My sister and I haven’t spoken in 3 days," Gillian wrote. "I read online. Stop using someone’s Illness to try to troll. Sad person you are."

Nicola Sturgeon meanwhile has not said anything with regards to Kate's announcement, but has 'liked' a post from SNP MSP Christina McKelvie which said: "There’s few things in life worse than being told you have cancer, I wish Kate well".

Nicola Sturgeon's sister posted Kate health update before official announcementGillian later deleted the post after trolls hit out at her (UGC)

Incumbent First Minister Humza Yousaf meanwhile took to X following the news, writing: "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news about the Princess of Wales/Duchess of Rothesay. I am praying for her swift recovery. It must be an incredibly difficult time for the whole family. Royalty or otherwise, she has a right to privacy, which I hope will be respected."

In her statement on Friday, shared online in a video of 42-year-old Kate sitting on a bench, she addressed the nation saying: "I am well and getting stronger every day." Further details of the nature of the Princess's cancer have not been revealed.

Her shock announcement came after weeks of online speculation about her health and whereabouts, furthered by the release of a doctored photograph of Kate with the three royal children on Mother's Day. Footage of William and Kate at a farm shop in Windsor last weekend also prompted vile trolls to claim it "wasn't Kate".

She added: "William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family." The princess added: "It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok." She said the family now needs "some time, space and privacy".

Susie Beever

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