Prince William Was Reportedly "Upset and Angry" About the Kate Middleton Rumors

A former staffer revealed that Prince William had to "compartmentalize" his feelings.

Earlier this year, the internet was set ablaze with rumors and conspiracy theories about Kate Middleton—and according to a former staffer, Prince William was far from pleased about it.

After the princess had a planned abdominal surgery late last year, her seeming disappearance from public life became the subject of viral online speculation. "Where is Kate Middleton" began trending, and soon enough, memes and theories about the royal began springing up on social media. Eventually, the viral nature of the online scandal led Kate to reveal that she was undergoing preventative cancer treatment.

Related: Prince William Reportedly Feels "Everything Hinges" on Kate Middleton's Well-Being

In a recent cover story for People, a former palace staffer revealed that William was left feeling "upset and angry" by the ongoing social media rumors surrounding his wife. However, the staffer added that William had managed to "compartmentalize it" as he continued with his public duties.

This is not the first time insiders have suggested that William struggled in the wake of the social media frenzy earlier this year. When the rumors were at their height in March, royal expert Katie Nicholl spoke to Entertainment Tonight about how the royal couple were coping. "William and Kate have been pretty shocked and genuinely surprised by the wild rumors that are circulating on the internet," Nicholl said, adding, "I think that has made the Prince of Wales frustrated, upset, and pretty angry as well. It's been difficult for them. I think they're trying to ignore as much as they can ... They are aware of what is being written and what is being said. And I think there's a sense of frustration that they can't bring an end to it."

Related: Kate Middleton and Prince William Are Reportedly "Going Through Hell" Amid Cancer News

When Kate revealed that she was, in fact, undergoing chemotherapy, there was a general consensus on social media that the speculation had gone too far. In hindsight, it's easy to see why the viral nature of the wild conspiracies placed added emotional strain on William, leaving him "upset and angry."

William is now dealing with a double illness in the royal family as his father, King Charles, was also diagnosed with cancer. In the same People cover story, royal experts revealed that William was prioritizing his family and his royal duties in the wake of the two family illnesses. Royal author Robert Lacey explained, "The double illness has placed enormous pressure on William—both as a parent and inheritor of the family business. It has brought all kinds of challenges. He [has handled] it with calmness and lack of drama.”

For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on InStyle.