The UK Government has announced action against a Russian disinformation network, known as the Doppelganger group, following its targeted campaign against Princess Kate after her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Comprised of six Russian agencies and individuals, the Doppelganger group was identified as the source of false rumors spread about the Princess of Wales in March, allegedly aimed at sowing discord among Western nations supporting Ukraine, reported by GB News.
The Foreign Office has described the group as a “vast malign online network” dedicated to spreading fake news and undermining democratic values. By targeting a high-profile figure like Princess Kate, the disinformation network aimed to exploit sensitive situations for its agenda, heightening tensions and attempting to fracture international support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy directly condemned these actions, citing them as another example of Kremlin interference designed to destabilize European unity. Lammy stated, “We will not tolerate your lies and interference, and we are coming after you,” a clear warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the agencies involved. Lammy further characterized the disinformation attempts as “clumsy, ineffective efforts to try and stoke unrest,” underscoring the UK’s resolve to protect public figures and public discourse from such malign influence.
In response to these disruptive tactics, recent sanctions were implemented, specifically targeting the Russian entities responsible for the campaign. The UK’s decision marks a firm stance against the exploitation of personal tragedies and reaffirms its dedication to defending its public figures and countering disinformation tactics. These efforts also align with findings from security experts at Cardiff University, who helped identify the network’s activities and provided evidence linking it to the broader strategy of misinformation.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate has shared an update on her health, focusing on her journey to recovery. In a touching video released by Kensington Palace in September, she appeared alongside Prince William and their children, expressing relief at completing her chemotherapy treatment. Reflecting on the challenges her family faced, Kate stated, “I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family.”
With this latest move, the UK aims not only to protect figures like Princess Kate from targeted attacks but also to send a broader message against disinformation and foreign interference, marking a renewed commitment to safeguarding its democratic processes and social unity.