Singer Jessie J is opening up about the meaningful moment she shared with Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, during the Royal Variety Performance in London on November 19. Speaking in a segment that aired Friday on Good Morning America, Jessie revealed that the pair connected deeply over motherhood and their personal battles with cancer.
Jessie, 37, described how the Princess, 43, thanked her for her strength, and how she responded from one survivor to another.
“She just said, ‘Thank you, I know you’ve gone through a tough time.’ I said, ‘I know you have too.’ I just said, ‘I want to acknowledge that — mum to mum, cancer survivor to cancer survivor. I see you, and I feel you. Can I give you a hug?’” Jessie recalled.
“She said, ‘Of course you can.’”
The heartfelt hug broke traditional royal protocol, but Jessie said she acted instinctively.
“I’m grateful she received it in the way it was meant,” she added.
A Shared Journey Through Motherhood and Illness
Jessie attended the performance with her partner Chanan Safir Colman, with whom she shares a two-year-old son, Sky. Kate Middleton and Prince William share three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
Both women have faced major health challenges in the public eye.
Princess Kate revealed in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and began preventative chemotherapy. She later confirmed in early 2025 that she had completed treatment and was in remission.
Jessie announced in June 2025 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy, later postponing surgery due to complications. She also canceled her U.S. tour to prioritize recovery.
During a recent appearance on ITV’s This Morning, Jessie shared more about the moment she decided to embrace Kate.
“I was briefed not to,” she explained. “But I just saw a mom who has also gone through cancer publicly, and I wanted to give her a hug — mom to mom, human to human.”
A Viral Royal Moment
Photos from the event show the two women holding hands and smiling warmly at each other at Royal Albert Hall. The hug quickly circulated online, with many praising Jessie’s authenticity and compassion. The exchange occurred during a festive segment celebrating holiday spirit, but the real focus quickly became their emotional connection — one that resonated with viewers around the world.
