Blake Lively has issued an apology after making light of Kate Middleton's 'disappearance' last week in a controversial 'joke'.
Since then, the Princess of Wales has revealed she's currently receiving treatment for cancer, breaking the news in a statement on Friday (22 March).
Over the last few months, the internet has been bursting at the scenes with conspiracy theories regarding the mother-of-three's whereabouts, after she failed to make a single public appearance since undergoing abdominal surgery back in January.
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Following a self-confessed Photoshop fail made by Kate, and with Prince William conducting several royal visits on his own, theories over her wellbeing continued to increase in absurdity.
So much so, that even some A-list stars appeared to poke fun at the Princess's prior absence.
Among those to crack jokes last week were Kim Kardashian - who captioned an Instagram post, 'On my way to go find Kate' - and Gossip Girl star Blake Lively.
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Promoting her newest line of products for her drink brands, Betty Buzz and Betty Booze, Blake posted an obviously Photoshopped campaign shot.
In the image, the actor's thumb was dramatically enlarged, and a lemon was flying at her face.
Her head was Photoshopped on a distorted body, and the bricks were bent on the ground.
Blake captioned the now-deleted pic, posted to her 44 million followers, with: “I’m so excited to share this new photo I just took today to announce our 4 new @bettybuzz & @bettybooze products.
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"Now you know why I’ve been MIA."
At the time, Instagram users rushed to Blake's comments, flooding them with criticism and accusing the 'joke' of being made in poor taste.
One wrote: "I always been a fan, but this 'joke' is so disappointing."
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Another added: "So disappointed. Imagine if this was you, recovering from surgery at home and people mocking you."
A third chimed in: "I really like you Blake but this is just gross. I will not be supporting you or your brand anymore."
Since then, Kate has addressed her absence, opening up about her cancer treatment in an emotional video.
The Princess thanked the public for their concern over her health, explaining that after her successful major abdominal surgery, 'tests after the operation found cancer had been present'.
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"My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment," she said.
"This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
"But, most importantly, 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."
Naturally, following Kate's saddening admission, many online jesters have been forced to eat their words, including mother-of-four Blake.
Taking to Instagram, she apologised for her 'joke', telling her followers: "I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this.
"I made a silly post around the ‘photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I’m sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always."
Topics: Health, Blake Lively, Kate Middleton, Celebrity, Royal Family
Rhianna Benson