Sunak and Starmer lambast online trolls who targeted Princess of Wales

Rishi Sunak has lambasted the online trolls who “unfairly treated” the Princess of Wales and subjected her to “intense scrutiny”.

The Prime Minister was joined in his condemnation by Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, who criticised the “lurid speculation” that has been circulating on the internet and in certain sections of the international media in recent weeks.

Both Mr Sunak and Sir Keir called for the Princess to be given the privacy she needs as she undergoes treatment for cancer. Internet trolls had baited her following her disappearance from public view.

In praising her courage, Mr Sunak said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter: “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.

“She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement. 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.”

The Prime Minister added: “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.”

In his statement, Sir Keir said any cancer diagnosis was “shocking” but that the attacks on the Princess must have brought “added stress”.

He said: “On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I want to send my very best wishes to Her Royal Highness at this distressing time. Our thoughts are with the whole Royal family as they come to terms with the news and as they support the Princess of Wales through her treatment and recovery.

“Any cancer diagnosis is shocking, but I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we’ve seen in recent weeks. Their Royal Highnesses are entitled to privacy and, like any parents, will have waited to choose the right moment to tell their children.

“I am heartened by The Princess of Wales’s optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope. Her Royal Highness will be in our thoughts and prayers as she progresses through her treatment with the love and support of not just her whole family but the whole nation too.”