Its been six weeks since Kensington Palace revealed that Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, entered convalescence following a “planned abdominal surgery.” In light of recovery, the palace noted that Kate would be absent from public events and royal engagements until after Easter (March 31, 2024). Kate’s ongoing recovery has kept the world speculating over her health status, but during an event at Windsor Castle Tuesday, a palace aide assured the media that “The Princess of Wales continues to be doing well,” per Vanity Fair.
As anticipated, Middleton was absent from an event at Windsor Castle Tuesday — a memorial service for Greece’s King Constantine II, who died in January 2023, per the Independent. At the last minute, Prince William backed out of a scheduled appearance at the ceremony, excusing himself over a “personal matter,” per CBS. It is understood that William was set to deliver a reading during the service and called the Greek Royal Family to apologize for his sudden change in plans, per Vanity Fair.
Middleton’s cryptic health updates, coupled with William’s sudden absence from the memorial service sent the internet into a frenzy. Wild theories about Kate’s health and whereabouts ran amok on X — theories range from the princess taking time for her bangs to grow out to a possible secret baby.
When Kensington Palace announced Kate had undergone surgery, it also noted that updates on Kate’s health would only be provided when “there is significant new information to share.” The palace also noted that Kate’s condition was “not cancerous.”
The vagueness of the details on Kate’s health is in line with the royal M.O. The royal family is typically tight-lipped regarding health status. So the lack of details concerning Kate’s recent surgery is likely nothing to be concerned about.
King Charles III did not attend the ceremony either, but his absence did not create such a stir. The monarch has been uncharacteristically forthcoming about his health. In mid-January, Charles revealed he would undergo surgery for an enlarged prostate. Roughly two weeks later, Buckingham Palace announced Charles had been diagnosed with “a form of cancer,” which was identified during his enlarged prostate operation.
The monarch hoped openness about his diagnosis would “prevent speculation” and that he could provide “understanding to all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” per Buckingham Palace.
The internet is running wild with theories on Kate’s temporary disappearance
In January, Kensington Palace release the following statement regarding Kate’s health:
“Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales was admitted to the London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery.”
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,” the statement continued.
Prior to the statement, Kate had not been seen in public since Christmas Day 2023, and her ongoing absence from public light is fueling wild — and entertaining — theories about what she is up to.