Princess Kate announcing the end of her chemotherapy sparked an online debate about the authenticity of her video.
The Princess of Wales released a highly stylized video message presenting the most intimate portrait of her family life she has ever given.
There were clips of her resting her head lovingly on Prince William's shoulder, of them lying side by side on a picnic blanket, and of her parents Michael and Carole Middleton helping out with the children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
It was positive news on a profoundly serious subject, since Kate is currently cancer free and has finished chemotherapy, though she will have to chalk up five years without symptoms before she is considered "cured."
In the aftermath of the video, however, there were mixed reactions on social media with some questioning the tone while others simply backed Kate.
Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, author of This Is Why I Resist, wrote: "I get it. This video of Catherine, Princess of Wales of her cancer journey, cuddling/kissing William, gathered with happy family etc can be perceived as objectively contrived & PR move to rehabilitate their image, avoid speculation about health, marriage etc.
"Nevertheless I wish for her the happy images portrayed because everyone should have a happy family.
"It's important this video highlights the vast reality that there are thousands of Brits going through cancer (not preventative) who don't have the option not to work as she does & really struggling in a way Catherine never would including those who'll bear the brunt of the winter fuel payments cap, ongoing cost of living crisis, food banks etc.
"This video, if anything, should inspire the kind of visible change that ensures any Brit with cancer diagnosis has the same options available to members of Royal Family. I wish Catherine & all those going through cancer treatment well and (please God🙏🏾) to be cancer free."
Katrina Mirpuri, senior social features Editor at the Evening Standard, wrote: "I'm glad that the Princess of Wales aka Kate is feeling better, but why is this video filmed like a Centre Parcs advert?"
Elsewhere, English stand-up comedian Sooz Kempner re-edited the video to the soundtrack from hit TV show Succession, which charts the lives of the rich children of a media mogul.
The princess appeared in public for the first time in June after being out of the limelight focusing on her health.
Kate's latest video message came on the back of a viral social media storm earlier in the year in which people shared wild conspiracy theories about her absence from public life and her marriage.
While not everyone responded positively to Kate's latest video, the slightly mocking tone is a long way from the speculation and conspiracy theories seen in February and March which gained huge audiences sometimes for highly defamatory unfounded claims.
And there have also been plenty of people backing Kate's video too.
Veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards wrote in an article for The Sun: "WOW! In 40 years of covering the Royal Family I have never seen anything like Catherine's video.
"It's a first for the royals and these wonderful three minutes of footage brings home just how grateful this young family are that their mum is over the worst.
"Finally, after nearly six months of chemotherapy, Catherine is looking forward to being cancer-free.
"And joy and relief for the royal couple and their amazing children oozes from every frame."
"In this incredible video, Kate looks happy and well but obviously she's not completely ready for full-time work," he continued.
"Bear in mind she will be doing this work for the rest of her life and there will be no retirement for her.
"So it's in everybody's interest that the Princess gets fully fit before she goes properly back to work."
Kate is now in an interim phase where she will be completing some royal engagements but is also not yet back full time.
The princess is expected to make an appearance at Remembrance Sunday in November and to host her annual Christmas carols in December but otherwise aides will make calls on whether she can manage public visits on an ad hoc basis.
The princess said in her message: "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
"The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face-to-face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before and, with that, a new perspective on everything.
"This time has above all reminded [Prince] William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.
"Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
"I am, however, looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
"Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.
"To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey—I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness can come light, so let that light shine bright."
Jack Royston is Newsweek's chief royal correspondent, based in London. You can find him on Twitter at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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