The rumour mill is in overdrive about Kate Middleton’s prolonged absence from the public eye.
Speculation has been rampant that all is not what it seems with the Princess of Wales’ health condition. Middleton, 42, was last seen attending the royal family’s Christmas function last year.
It all started on January 17, when Kensington Palace revealed that Middleton had undergone planned abdominal surgery. Her husband, Prince William, took a break from his royal duties to stand by her side during her hospital stay, which lasted two weeks before she returned home for further treatment. Details about her condition were scarce, but it was confirmed to be non-cancerous.
As days turned into weeks with no updates on Middleton’s recovery, the online world erupted with conspiracy theories.
In early February, the Palace debunked reports from Spanish media outlets claiming that Middleton had been placed in an induced coma due to complications from her surgery.
“It’s utter nonsense. The journalist failed to fact-check with anyone in the household,” said a palace insider.
The speculation intensified when Prince William skipped a memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, citing a personal matter. Queen Camilla stepped in, heightening concerns about Middleton’s well-being.
However, Kensington Palace has since quashed the health rumours.
“We made it clear from the start that the Princess of Wales would be out of the public eye until after Easter, with updates provided only when significant,” a Middleton spokesperson told People on Thursday, reassuring the public that she is “doing well.”
While the official line puts to rest any health concerns, the internet has seized upon the void with a deluge of memes and conspiracy theories.
From comparisons to fictional characters to wild speculations about secret surgeries, social media has gone into overdrive.
But behind the laughter and speculation lies a year fraught with challenges for the British royal family. From King Charles’ health woes to unexpected tragedies, 2024 has proven to be a tumultuous chapter for the House of Windsor, capturing headlines both at home and abroad.
The year began with the announcement of King Charles’ enlarged prostate and Middleton’s planned surgery and her subsequent absence from the public. And then in February came the shocking news of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
His diagnosis prompted speculations on the severity of his condition – fuelled in part by the visit of his estranged youngest son Prince Harry.
Talks about a possible succession dominated headlines at home and abroad. Prince William, who was then on hiatus to take care of his family, had to quickly return to take over some of the King’s royal engagements.
Then early this week brought news of the sudden death of Thomas Kingston, Prince Michael of Kent’s son-in-law, at 45.
