Two prominent figures, British singer-songwriter Jessie J and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, found an unexpected connection at the Royal Variety Performance in London last November. Despite their vastly different public lives, the two women bonded over their shared experiences with cancer and motherhood, a poignant moment that Jessie J later recounted in an interview with Good Morning America.

Jessie J revealed the intimate exchange, stating that Princess Kate initiated the conversation by saying, "Thank you, I know you’ve gone through a tough time." Jessie J reciprocated, acknowledging the Princess's struggles with, "I know you have too." The singer then extended a heartfelt offer, saying, "Mum to mum, cancer survivor to cancer survivor, I see you, and I feel you. Can I give you a hug?’ To which the Princess graciously replied, ‘Of course you can.’ This candid interaction underscored a deep empathy between them, transcending their royal and celebrity statuses.

The interview comes approximately six months after Jessie J, who is a mother to a young son, publicly disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis. Her journey involved surgery in June, followed by a hospital visit for an infection weeks later. In July, she received the reassuring news that her cancer had not spread, a moment she shared emotionally with her fans. However, the singer had to postpone her fall tour due to the need for a second surgery. Reflecting on her ongoing health, Jessie J updated GMA, "I know there’s a chance it could come back, but until then, we’re living life."

Princess Kate, a mother herself, understands the unique pressures of battling cancer while living in the public eye. In March 2024, she announced she was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Six months later, she confirmed the completion of her chemotherapy and her entry into remission. Her public battle with the disease resonated deeply, making her encounter with Jessie J particularly meaningful.

Jessie J further elaborated on the spontaneous hug during an appearance on the British talk show This Morning. Despite being "briefed" against hugging the Princess, she explained that she felt an undeniable urge to connect on a human level. "I just saw a mom that has also gone through cancer publicly, and I just wanted to give her a hug," she stated. "It was as simple as that. I didn’t see her as the Princess of Wales, I mean obviously I did, and I was respectful… I said to her, ‘Can I give you a hug?’ and she received it." She emphasized the gesture as a connection "mom to mom, human to human."