Russian-linked social media accounts were identified by British security experts to have taken advantage of conspiracy theories regarding the whereabouts of Kate, Princess of Wales. The experts highlighted that these actors were not the creators of the rumors but rather exploited existing narratives already circulating, particularly in conspiracy terms, to further their own agenda by jumping on the story.

The Russian disinformation campaign known as Doppelgänger aims at leveraging the traction gained from Kate-related content to disseminate pro-Russia propaganda, particularly concerning the conflict with Ukraine, and to sow discord. The campaign manipulates online narratives not only to push its agenda but also to undermine trust in various institutions, including government, monarchy, and media, as a way to destabilize societies.

Experts have observed that the tactics used by these Russian actors involve responding to existing online posts rather than creating original conspiracy theories, often incorporating pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine content. The sophistication and scale of this disinformation campaign pose significant challenges for researchers, and the impact of their activities extends to billions of views on platforms like TikTok, creating a concerning environment where conspiracy theories can flourish.