The TV star made a joke about Kate’s whereabouts before her cancer diagnosis announcement

Stephen Colbert once faced backlash following controversial comments he made about Kate Middleton during a March 2024 episode of his show.

In a subsequent episode, the comedian expressed remorse over jokes he made surrounding Kate Middleton‘s public absence in early 2024.

Before announcing her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, Kate hadn’t been seen in public since Christmas Day 2023. This sparked worldwide speculation about her whereabouts, including bizarre conspiracy theories.

Then, amid the rife speculation, Kate spoke out in a personal video message on March 22 as she confirmed she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

This week, it’s been announced that Stephen’s show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, will end in May 2026 after 33 years on air. But what happened with his comments about Kate last year?

Comedian Stephen Colbert addressed his comments about the Princess of Wales last year (Credit: Cover Images)

What did Stephen Colbert say about Kate Middleton?

In March 2024, after Kate shared her diagnosis, Stephen began an episode of his show with an uncharacteristically serious tone, acknowledging that speculation about Kate’s whereabouts had been circulating for weeks.

During a previous episode, before her health news was public knowledge, he had jokingly linked her public absence to false and baseless rumours about her marriage to Prince William.

Stephen said that “internet sleuths are guessing that Kate’s absence may be related to her husband and the future king of England, William, having an affair”.

Viewers took issue with his comments, with even fellow TV star Piers Morgan calling his jokes “distasteful”.

Following Kate’s cancer diagnosis announcement video, Stephen addressed his controversial comments and wished her well.

I’m sure some of my jokes will upset people in the future.

“When I made those jokes, that upset some people,” the comedian admitted on his show at the time. “A lot of my jokes have upset people in the past. I’m sure some of my jokes will upset people in the future.”

Although he did not name Kate directly, he acknowledged crossing a line.

He emphasised that jokes should never come at the expense of someone else’s tragedy and extended heartfelt well-wishes to the princess and her family.

“There’s a standard that I try to hold myself to,” he continued. “That is: I do not make light of somebody else’s tragedy. Far too many of us know that any cancer diagnosis of any kind is harrowing for the patient and for their family.

“Though I’m sure they don’t need it from me, I and everyone here at The Late Show would like to extend our well-wishes and heartfelt hope that her recovery is swift and thorough.”

Kate withdrew from public life for a few months before announcing her cancer diagnosis (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Why was The Late Show with Stephen Colbert cancelled?

On July 17, 2025, Stephen announced that his show will end in May 2026 after 33 years on air.

According to CBS, the decision was “purely financial”. They cited the growing financial challenges facing late-night television.

Host Stephen broke the news to a stunned live audience during a taping.  He called the job “fantastic” and expressed gratitude to CBS and his fans.

Stephen, who took over from David Letterman in 2015, became known for his political satire and outspoken criticism of Donald Trump-era politics.

Despite this, he maintained a loyal fan base and hosted a wide range of high-profile guests, from politicians to celebrities.

Reaction to the news poured in across social media. Fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, actor Adam Scott, filmmaker Judd Apatow, and others voiced support for Stephen, praising his legacy.