George Galloway has been slammed by MPs for "giving oxygen to conspiracy theories" about the Princess of Wales, including speculating that she was "dead".
The left-wing firebrand, who recently made a shock return as an MP, was branded "a stain on British democracy" and criticised for fuelling fantasies that "fall well below the standards expected of an MP”. Mr Galloway even repeated rumours that she was "dead", writing online: "Princess Kate has been missing for almost 80 days. There’ve been three faked photos and millions of rumours. What are the royals covering up? Is she dead or has she downed tools?"
The Rochdale MP also fuelled speculation over a video of Kate walking beside William outside a farm shop in Windsor. "It’s clearly not Kate Middleton in the Sun video," he said. "It’s a woman 20 years younger and the royals haven’t confirmed its authenticity. Kate hasn’t been seen in public since Christmas Day."
Wendy Chamberlain, the Liberal Democrats ’ chief whip, told the Telegraph: “ George Galloway ’s style of politics is a stain on British democracy, and has no place in Parliament. Giving oxygen to conspiracy theories like this is the lowest of the low. He should be ashamed of himself.”
Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel criticised the “grossly insensitive and unkind comments”. “Such comments are a stark contrast to the compassionate and dutiful manner of HRH our much loved Princess of Wales, who we all send our love and best wishes to for a healthy and blessed recovery,” she said.
Meghan Markle 'to unleash her own memoirs' as Prince Harry's drops next weekLabour's Dame Margaret Hodge said: “These comments are abhorrent. Perpetuating such vile conspiracy theories is disgraceful. Their Royal Highnesses are entitled to their privacy at this distressing time.”
Tim Loughton, the Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said: “George Galloway has always been known for his love of conspiracy theories but returning to Parliament as an elected representative brings responsibilities to make sure you are not platforming untruths and irresponsible speculation that could influence people.
“Some of the fantasies that have been put around about the Princess of Wales are hurtful and malign and fall well below the standards expected of an MP.”
The Princess of Wales announced she is being treated for cancer in a video message on Friday evening. The future queen is currently undergoing a course of chemotherapy that started in February, Kensington Palace announced.
Kate, 42, was admitted to hospital on January 16 for "major abdominal surgery", which has been confirmed as successful. At the time of her operation it was thought that her condition was non-cancerous, as no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer. However, post-operative tests confirmed that cancer had been present.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the Princess of Wales has "the love and support of the whole country" after she announced she is undergoing treatment for cancer.
In a statement, the PM said Kate Middleton had shown "tremendous bravery with her statement", and criticised "intense scrutiny" and "unfair" treatment by parts of the media in recent weeks. “My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time. The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery," he said.
“She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. 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.
“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. I know I speak for the whole country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in action when she’s ready.”