Jessie J has opened up about the moment she and Kate Middleton broke royal protocol during their meeting at the Royal Variety Performance. The Princess of Wales has been appearing in public more frequently after taking extended time away from her duties to focus on her health.

Kate shared her cancer diagnosis in March last year. She revealed that she had been diagnosed in January after abdominal surgery and had begun preventative chemotherapy. By the autumn she announced that her treatment was complete. She later confirmed in January that she was in remission. Since then she has gradually returned to public engagements.

Her latest appearance brought her together with singer Jessie J, who recently revealed that she had also received a cancer diagnosis. Jessie told her followers that she had been diagnosed with early breast cancer. She emphasized the word early. She said that cancer is awful in any form but the word early has helped her stay strong. She added that being open has always helped her and that hearing other people’s stories gives her comfort.

Kate and Jessie met on 19 November at the Royal Albert Hall. It was there that the pair shared a hug. This is something members of the public are not normally expected to do with royals. A long standing no touching rule usually separates the royal family from casual physical contact. There have been past controversies. In 2014 NBA star LeBron James caused headlines when he placed his arm around Kate during a photo. At the time etiquette expert William Hanson said that Americans tend to be more tactile.

This time however both women consciously chose to break the formality. Jessie explained to The Independent that she hugged Kate because they share the experience of facing cancer. She said that as a mum who has recently gone through cancer she simply wanted to give Kate a hug. She added that they both understood how difficult the journey is, especially when the world is watching. According to the Daily Mail Jessie told the princess that she had just had breast cancer and that cancer puts life into perspective.

Jessie became a mother in May 2023 when she welcomed her son Sky after years of fertility struggles. Kate is mother to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. She has spoken openly about how cancer changes family life. She said that you have to find your new normal and that the process takes time. She described it as a rollercoaster that is far from smooth. She said the reality is that you go through hard times.