Jessie J has revealed the reason she broke royal protocol in hugging Kate Middleton at the Royal Variety Performance in November.
The pair shared an embrace
Jessie, 37, shared an emotional embrace with Kate Middleton during the November 19 event, and has since explained why she chose to do it despite knowing it’s against royal protocol.
She explained it in an appearance on This Morning on Wednesday, December 3.
She was told not to do it
“I was briefed not to, but I just saw a mom that has also gone through cancer publicly, and I just wanted to give her a hug,” Jessie said on the show. “It was as simple as that.”
“I didn’t see her as the Princess of Wales, I mean obviously I did, and I was respectful. I said to her, ‘Can I give you a hug?’ and she received it.”
Jessie was inspired by Middleton’s fight
“I just said, ‘It’s inspiring.’ I know the days that she has maybe gone through, and I just wanted to give her a hug – mom to mom, human to human,” the Price Tag singer went on.
Middleton’s appearance at the event was her first with Prince William since the announcement of her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
Middleton has finished her treatment
The Princess of Wales made a video announcement at the time sharing that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would stay out of the spotlight until she’s finished her treatment.
And earlier this year she announced that she had finished her cancer treatments in September 2024 and was officially in remission in January 2025.
Jessie is also suffering from cancer
Jessie also announced her early breast cancer diagnosis in June 2025 and has been regularly updating her fans on her health, including recovering from her mastectomy.
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She feels blessed to share with the world
Jessie spoke about sharing updates of her journey, saying, “It’s been a lovely chance to really show that side of my personality, that I am the kind of person that in hard times, put your umbrella up and just keep walking through the rain.”
She’s able to see the good in things
“My blessings outweigh anything that’s happened,” the singer added.
“And the beauty of all of this is that I’ve had quality time with my mom, I’m more present as a parent [and] I’m here.”
