Blake Lively has issued a statement and removed a social media post that appeared to mock Kate Middleton, following the Princess of Wales’s revelation about her cancer diagnosis.

In her Instagram Story, Blake expressed regret, stating, “I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this. I made a silly post around the ‘photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I’m sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always.”

The Hollywood actress, known for her marriage to Ryan Reynolds, had joined other celebrities in jesting about Kate Middleton’s recent absence from the public eye, amidst rampant internet conspiracy theories.

Speculation surged when the Palace released a Mother’s Day photo of Kate and her children, which contained noticeable Photoshop errors, prompting questions about its authenticity.

Blake, 36, had shared a post on Instagram shortly after the photo controversy, which some social media users interpreted as poking fun at the senior royal.

However, following the distressing news of Kate’s cancer diagnosis, many criticised Blake’s Instagram post as insensitive.

Though Blake couldn’t have anticipated the Princess’s health condition, social media users still condemned her for what they perceived as insensitivity prior to the news being disclosed.

Commenting on the post, one user remarked, “You should be ashamed of yourself. She has cancer.” Another added, “Better feel bad now for making fun after that announcement from the Palace.”

A third commenter urged Blake to apologise to Kate Middleton, criticising her for making light of the situation before knowing the full story.

Blake’s original post featured a promotion for her Betty Booze brand and introduced four new products in the range. In what seemed like a reference to the rumours surrounding Kate, Blake concluded the caption with, “Now you know why I’ve been MIA.”

Blake wasn’t the only celebrity to seemingly jest about the situation. Kim Kardashian also shared a post last week, mentioning Kate in her caption. Posting a carousel of pictures showcasing herself, Kim joked, “On my way to find Kate.” Notably, Kim’s post has not attracted significant comments as of yet.