Jessie J Defends Breaking Royal Protocol To Hug Princess Of Wales

Against royal rules and in a surprising gesture, Jessie Jexpressed a heartfelt connection with Kate Middleton at a recent event, and now she's explaining her reason. 

The "Do It Like a Dude" star, born Jessica Cornish, and the Princess of Wales are united by a difficult chapter in their lives as both have confronted cancer.

During the performance, the singer offered the 43-year-old royal an embrace, explaining that the moment was inspired by their shared journey through illness.

Speaking on the U.K.'s "This Morning" on December 3, the "Price Tag" singer said she had been instructed not to make physical contact, but her empathy took over.

"I was briefed not to, but...l just saw a mom that has also gone through cancer publicly, and I just wanted to give her a hug," Jessie J explained. She added that in that moment, she didn't see titles or status, only a woman who had endured unimaginable pain. In her words:

"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...l said to her, 'Can I give you a hug?' and she received it."

Jessie J continued, "I just said [to her], 'It's inspiring.' And I just...l 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 37-year-old songwriter and Middleton shared the embrace at the November 19 Royal Variety Performance, Kate's first red carpet in two years following her 2024 treatment.

At that time, People Magazine reported that the "Bang Bang" hitmaker said it was motivated by their experience in their cancer journey, acknowledging that it's not an easy feat, especially being in the public light. 

Jessie J revealed her diagnosis in June and shared that she underwent a mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction as part of her treatment.

Shortly after, she faced complications and was hospitalized again due to fluid buildup in her lungs. Although she recovered, doctors informed her she would still need another surgery.

The health challenges also forced changes to her career. In August, The Blast reported that Jessie announced she was canceling the U.S. leg of her upcoming November 2025 tour to prioritize undergoing the procedure and recovery, expressing her frustration while apologizing to disappointed fans.

While dealing with the challenge, Jessie has opened up about the struggle of trying to be a present mother to her 2-year-old son, Sky, whom she shares with Chanan Colman.

She candidly admitted that she often cries because she feels robbed of the chance to be the kind of mom she wants to be, especially since toddlers change and grow so quickly.

Despite the physical setbacks and emotional challenges, she said Sky is her biggest motivation, describing him as her "ray of light" who keeps her fighting through the dark moments.

After previously canceling her show dates, Jessie J received encouraging news in October as her doctors cleared her to return to the stage.

According to The Blast, the singer revealed that her planned second breast surgery has been postponed due to differing medical opinions. 

One surgeon felt the operation would be more complex than expected and referred her to a specialist, while another advised that she didn't need the procedure yet and recommended waiting.

Before that news, Jessie celebrated a major milestone in July when tests confirmed her cancer had not spread. She took to her Instagram happily announcing it. "I AM OK. Results = I have NO cancer spread. Happy tears are real!" she wrote, expressing her relief and gratitude.

Although Kate Middleton appeared radiant at the recent Royal Variety Performance, sources previously disclosed that despite being in remission, she continues to face both physical and emotional challenges.

As The Blast reported, insiders claimed that the Princess of Wales "tires more easily" and is finding her return to royal responsibilities more demanding than anticipated.

As a result, she and Prince William have reportedly agreed that she will take an extended pause, stepping back from official duties to focus on rest and recovery.