BIRMINGHAM, England – A British cardiologist suggested without evidence on Sept 7 that Covid-19 vaccines might have been a factor in the cancer suffered by members of the British royal family, drawing swift condemnation from the government, health experts and cancer support groups.
Dr Aseem Malhotra made the claim during a speech at the annual conference of Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Mr Nigel Farage – which distanced itself from his remarks after they provoked an outcry.
He said on Sept 6 at the event that he had been told by a professor of oncology that “he thinks it’s highly likely that the Covid vaccines have been a factor, a significant factor, in the cancer of members of the royal family”.
The British government quickly denounced the claim as dangerous to public health.
“When we are seeing falling numbers of parents getting their children vaccinated, and a resurgence of disease we had previously eradicated, it is shockingly irresponsible for Nigel Farage to give a platform to these poisonous lies,” Health Secretary Wes Streeting said.
“Farage should apologise and sever all ties with this dangerous extremism.”
Health charities also attacked the comments. “There is no good evidence of a link between the Covid-19 vaccine and cancer risk,” the group Cancer Research said. “The vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against the infection and prevent serious symptoms.”
Later on Sept 6, Mr Farage’s party distanced itself from Dr Malhotra’s comments, without criticising him directly.
“Dr Aseem Malhotra is a guest speaker with his own opinions who has an advisory role in the United States government,” the party said in a statement. “Reform UK does not endorse what he said but does believe in free speech.”
King Charles III announced in February 2024 that he had received a diagnosis for an undisclosed form of cancer. But he resumed royal duties in May that year and has attended many high-profile events since then.
And in March 2024, Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced a cancer diagnosis in a prerecorded video broadcast. She, too, has since resumed public duties.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the doctor’s remarks.
The oncologist Dr Malhotra said he had spoken to, Dr Angus Dalgleish, is a professor of oncology at St. George’s, University of London, who has also spoken skeptically about Covid-19 vaccines.
Dr Dalgleish did not immediately respond to a request for comment. NYTIMES
Georgianna Fleishman
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