Everything we know as the Princess of Wales recovers from abdominal surgery
Online sleuths frustrated at the lack of official updates on the health of the Princess of Wales have come up with a number of wacky theories over where Kate is.
The mum-of-three, 41, has not been seen in public since the Royal Family’s annual stroll to the church service in Sandringham on Christmas Day. Weeks later the nation was shocked when Kensington Palace suddenly announced Kate had undergone abdominal surgery which would keep her out of action until at least Easter. The news was met with concern by royal fans but, as the weeks have gone by, many have grown frustrated with the lack of official updates.
The truth is the Princess is still recovering from abdominal surgery. In January a spokesman said: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish her personal medical information remains private.”
Now several have started to share their own theories on “where Kate is” on social media, with many begging for belief.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'One particularly bizarre theory suggested the Princess is actually in Miami where she is recuperating from a Brazilian butt lift. One person has researched how long it takes to recover from the procedure and found it is around two to three months - the same amount of time as the Princess is expected to be away from the public eye.
Others on social media are joking that she has found work at the Willy Wonka Chocolate Experience in Glasgow, which has drawn scorn from unimpressed parents and their children. Another theory suggested Kate is Banksy, while yet another said she had donated a kidney to the King.
One person compared her to Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho, on loan in Germany, joking: “My theory on why Kate Middleton hasn't been seen for so long is she's being forced to train separately after refusing to apologise to Erik ten Hag for claiming that the manager was untruthful regarding her exclusion from the squad earlier in the season.”
Another joked: “The Kate Middleton reveal on Masked Singer is going to make all of us look silly.” Another pointed out: “Not a single Banksy since Kate Middleton disappeared. Coincidence?”
Kate usually enjoys good health but was previously admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum – severe morning sickness. Like the rest of the Royal Family, she has had a busy, turbulent past couple of years, with the Platinum Jubilee and the late Queen’s death in 2022, and the coronation in 2023, as well as adjusting to her new role as the Princess of Wales.
In a new statement on February 29, a royal spokesperson said: “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.” They did, however, add that Kate continues to do "well".