Why Jessie J embraced Princess Kate despite being 'briefed not to'

British singer Jessie J opened up about a touching encounter with Princess Kate during the Royal Variety Performance in London on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Speaking on the U.K. show The Morning, Jessie J admitted she had been advised not to hug the princessbut did so anyway.

"You can take the girl out of Essex, but seeing a mother who has faced cancer publicly, I just felt the need to give her a hug," said Jessie J, 37. "It was as simple as that."

Earlier this year, Jessie J revealed she had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Following surgery, she learned the disease had not spread, but later faced complications when she was hospitalized due to an infection.

Princess Kate, 43, disclosed her own cancer journey in March 2024, announcing she would undergo preventative chemotherapy after abdominal surgery. In January, she shared that her cancer is now in remission.

At the Royal Variety Performance, Jessie J described asking the princess for permission to hug her, telling her she found Kate "inspiring." "I know the days she may have endured, and I wanted to embrace hermom to mom, human to human," Jessie J said.

Regarding her own health, Jessie J provided an update, saying she is "good" and humorously attributing her healthy appearance to spending six hours in glam. She reflected on her experience, noting, "I've shown that in hard times, I try to see the silver lining, whether it inspires my music or just helps me keep moving forward."

Author: Chloe Ramirez