After TV host Narinder Kaur came under mass fire earlier this week for commenting on Kate Middleton's appearance at a recent post-cancer event, a doctor has spoken out.
The social media row first kicked off on Monday (11 Nov) after frequent Good Morning Britain panellist Narinder Kaur accused the Princess of Wales of having 'aged' following her public appearance at the Cenotaph's Remembrance Sunday service the day prior.
The royal event marked 43-year-old Kate's second major appearance in a row following the conclusion of her cancer treatment, after she announced back in September that she was now free of the disease.
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Following the televised ceremony, television presenter Kaur took to X to ask: "Genuine question - why has Kate aged so much? Isn't she only 42?"
She added: "Is she a smoker? It's the only explanation."
Naturally, the controversial comment saw Kaur thrown into hot water with many royal fans, which eventually prompted her to apologise, branding her own remark both 'stupid' and 'insensitive'.
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Now, a GP has firstly addressed Kaur's accusations about the future-Queen having 'aged' because of smoking, but also issued a stern warning against making such remarks about an individual who has recently undergone treatment for cancer.
Speaking to Tyla, Dr Suzanne Wylie - GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor - began by explaining the consequences of smoking cigarettes, revealing that the habit can 'significantly contribute' to the aging process.
"The chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine and other toxins, have a profound impact on the body’s ability to repair itself, leading to visible and invisible signs of premature ageing," she added.
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"Starting with the skin, smoking reduces blood flow, limiting oxygen and nutrient supply. This contributes to a loss of elasticity and firmness, often resulting in deeper wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull, uneven complexion."
Dr Wylie added that the skin around the mouth and eyes are traditionally affected by smoking due to the habit damaging collagen, and that the hair and nails can often become 'brittle, dull and prone to thinning' as a result.
It was then that the medic addressed Kaur's dubious remark about Kate - which sadly saw the presenter inundated with disproportionately sexual, racial and violent abuse - emphasising how 'crucial' it is to 'approach such remarks with sensitivity'.
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"Cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, is taxing on the body and can indeed result in physical changes that may appear as ageing," she added. "However, these effects are often temporary, and with time and recovery, many of the outward signs improve."
Dr Wylie went on to point out: "Comments on appearance following serious health treatments can be particularly challenging for patients who may already be coping with self-image changes and the impact of a life-altering diagnosis.
"It’s always better to focus on the strength and resilience of the person rather than any temporary outward signs of their health journey."
Topics: Celebrity, Royal Family, Kate Middleton
Rhianna Benson