Andy Cohen FINALLY apologizes to Princess Kate for fueling wild conspiracies about her health - branding himself a 'numpty' in groveling mea culpa in the wake of her cancer diagnosis: 'I wish I'd kept my mouth shut'

Andy Cohen has issued a groveling apology to Kate Middleton after her shock cancer diagnosis - while admitting that he was a 'numpty' for fueling the wild speculation about the princess' health.

The talk show host, 55, came under fierce fire last month after he shared his thoughts on the immense rumors that had been circulating regarding the mother-of-three's absence from the spotlight.

Andy discussed one particularly nasty theory about Kate's withdrawal from the public eye during in an episode of his podcast - which aired just hours before she made the devastating announcement.

But now, the media personality has reflected on his comments, and said that he 'wishes he had kept his mouth shut' about the subject during an episode of his SiriusXM radio show, Andy Cohen Live, this afternoon.

Andy Cohen has issued a groveling apology to Kate Middleton after her shock cancer diagnosis - admitting that he was a 'numpty' for fueling the wild speculation about her health

The talk show host, 55, came under fire last month after he shared his thoughts on the rumors that had been circulating regarding the mother-of-three's absence from the spotlight

Andy discussed one particularly nasty theory about Kate's withdrawal from the public eye  

But now, the media personality has reflected on his comments, and said that he 'wishes he had kept his mouth shut' about the subject during an episode of his SiriusXM radio show, Andy Cohen Live, this afternoon

'I just want to say I am heartbroken by the news about Princess Kate,' he said. 'I think someone on Sky News called me a numpty, and they were right. I wish I had kept my mouth shut.'

Andy explained that it had taken him this long to address it because his radio show had been on a hiatus, so this was his 'first opportunity' to get 'back in front of a live microphone.

He added that everyone on the show was 'praying' for her, as well as King Charles, who revealed weeks earlier that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. 

While we now know that Kate had begun 'preventative chemotherapy' after undergoing major abdominal surgery and discovering she had cancer during a follow-up test, a series of bizarre rumors about why Princess Kate, 42, had been MIA took over the web over the last few months - especially after it was revealed that she had Photoshopped an image shared on Mother's Day of her and her kids.

'I just want to say I am heartbroken by the news about Princess Kate,' he said. 'I think someone on Sky News called me a numpty, and they were right. I wish I had kept my mouth shut'

In a shocking video shared by the palace on March 22, Kate explained that she had discovered her cancer only after she underwent major abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in January

Andy threw further fuel onto the fire of speculation when he addressed these conspiracy theories in his Daddy Diaries podcast on March 22, dredging up controversial rumors in order to discuss them in the episode. 

A few days before that, Andy also fed into the crazy conspiracy that a body double had been posing as Princess Kate when she and Prince William were photographed at a farmer's market.

'That ain't Kate...' he wrote at the time.

In a shocking video shared by the palace on March 22, Kate explained that she had discovered her cancer only after she underwent major abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in January. 

She said the news had come as a 'huge shock' and that she and William 'had been doing everything we can to process and manage it privately for the sake of their young family.'

'It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK,' she said.

After the announcement, Leah McSweeney took to social media to slam Andy for the comments he made about the 42-year-old

'Andy Cohen gets a kick out of being cruel to women and Kate Middleton is no exception,' she wrote. 'I hope he will muster up the decency to apologize to her'

'As I have said to them: I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body, and spirits. 

'Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.'

Kensington Palace has said it will not be sharing details of what kind of cancer the princess has, or what stage of cancer it is and has asked people not to speculate. 

After the announcement, Leah McSweeney took to social media to slam Andy for the comments he made about the 42-year-old.

The 41-year-old Real Housewives of New York City star - who is currently suing Bravo and Andy - wrote on Instagram, 'Andy Cohen gets a kick out of being cruel to women and Kate Middleton is no exception.

'I hope that after she was forced to publicly talk about her cancer diagnosis he will muster up the decency to apologize to her. People with power need to lead by example.'