Stephen Colbert’s Shocking Exit Sparks Fresh Backlash Over Kate Middleton Affair Joke
Fans of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert were blindsided this week when the comedian announced CBS is pulling the plug on his late-night talk show. But as supporters expressed sadness over the show’s sudden end, royal watchers had something else on their minds — Colbert’s controversial jokes about Kate Middleton.
The Princess of Wales, who has been battling cancer privately, became the subject of widespread speculation earlier this year when she took a break from public life. Colbert, known for his biting humor, addressed the rumors on air in a segment that quickly went viral.
At the time, the late-night host joked about Kate’s absence, humorously suggesting it might be tied to whispers of a royal affair involving her husband Prince William and aristocrat Rose Hanbury. The joke did not land well, especially among royal fans already concerned for Kate’s wellbeing.
As it turns out, the rumors Colbert joked about were entirely unfounded, according to legal representatives for Rose Hanbury. Hanbury’s lawyers swiftly acted, sending a legal notice to CBS insisting the claims were false and harmful.
Following the intense backlash and mounting pressure, Colbert issued an apology during a follow-up episode of The Late Show. Addressing his audience directly, he admitted that his comments had “upset some people” and said it was never his intention to make light of someone’s suffering.
He also emphasized that he adheres to a personal standard when it comes to comedy, especially when tragedy is involved. “I do not make light of somebody else’s tragedy,” Colbert told viewers, before wishing Kate Middleton a “swift and thorough recovery.”
His apology, however, did little to calm the storm online. Many fans of the British royal family felt the damage had already been done and criticized Colbert for joking about such a sensitive topic, especially without knowing the full truth behind Kate’s absence.
Some even speculated that the outrage over his remarks may have contributed to CBS’s decision to end his show, though the network has not confirmed any connection. The timing, however, is raising eyebrows among royal watchers and media insiders alike.
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Colbert’s joke about the Prince and Princess of Wales came at a time when public concern over Kate’s health was reaching a fever pitch. Months later, when she bravely revealed her cancer diagnosis in an emotional video message, the public mood shifted dramatically.
What had once been whispered rumors turned into an outpouring of support for the future queen. Kate’s strength and grace in sharing her health battle earned her widespread admiration, and Colbert’s previous comments suddenly seemed wildly inappropriate in retrospect.
Critics argue that the comedian’s remarks were not just tone-deaf but potentially damaging, as they helped fuel false narratives at a time when the royal family was trying to shield the Princess of Wales from unnecessary scrutiny.
Although Colbert’s fans continue to stand by him, royal supporters are less forgiving. Many took to social media to remind others of the host’s misstep, especially now that his show is coming to an end.
For some, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with public commentary. When dealing with public figures — especially those facing personal battles like Kate Middleton — sensitivity must take precedence over entertainment.
As Stephen Colbert prepares to bid farewell to late-night television, his royal blunder will likely remain one of the more controversial moments of his long-running career. And with the Princess of Wales still undergoing treatment, it’s clear that the world is watching what is said — and how it’s said — more closely than ever.
In the end, Colbert’s departure may mark the close of one chapter, but the royal repercussions of his jokes are likely to linger much longer.
