The hashtag #WhereisKate has gone viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, and TikTok
Many royal watchers are wondering: Where is Kate Middleton?
According to Kensington Palace, the Duchess of Cambridge underwent planned abdominal surgery and will be staying at a London hospital for up to two weeks. Following the surgery, the 42-year-old has been recuperating at the family’s Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
As the princess continues her recovery, various conspiracy theories have surfaced on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) and TikTok, with users speculating about her whereabouts and health condition.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace, responsible for managing the household of the Prince and Princess of Wales, informed US Newzs Digital on Thursday: “In January, Kensington Palace provided details regarding the timeline of the Princess’ recovery, and we will only offer significant updates. The guidance remains consistent from January, indicating that the Princess would be recovering at home in Windsor.”
The spokesperson reaffirmed that the princess is “doing well.”
Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, emphasized to US Newzs Digital that when it comes to the health of the mother of three, it’s nobody’s business.
“She is Catherine, the Princess of Wales,” Schofield argued. “We have been clearly informed that she will not be available to the public until Easter, which is just one month away. Anyone causing trouble on X (social media) is simply trying to provoke controversy. They increase the risk of endangering the princess’ safety when they initiate these senseless campaigns. Someone might be influenced to do something foolish for social media attention. Find something meaningful to do. We will see her after Easter.”
“If I were in Catherine’s position and had any opportunity to take a break for a few weeks, I would definitely seize it,” Schofield shared. “I would cherish every moment. I wouldn’t want the constant scrutiny the Princess of Wales deals with every day on my worst enemy… all she did was marry for love.”
“When it comes to matters of health, death, and grief, these individuals don’t owe us anything; just let them be,” Schofield emphasized.
Schofield also highlighted that Middleton’s sister, Pippa, has been seen in the Caribbean enjoying time with her husband and their three children. Schofield suggested that this indicates the royal’s recovery is progressing as anticipated.
“Logic dictates that Pippa Matthews wouldn’t be enjoying herself on a beach in her swimsuit if her sister was facing serious issues,” Schofield remarked.
The reason for the princess needing abdominal surgery remains unclear. Although it’s not typical for members of the royal family to disclose details about their health, the initial announcement was probably made to prevent speculation regarding the potential postponement or cancellation of events involving the princess in the following weeks.
The palace indicated that the royal “is making good progress.”
However, rumors continue to circulate despite this clarification.
Following Middleton’s surgery, journalist Concha Calleja made allegations on the popular Spanish news program “Fiesta,” as reported by the U.K. Sunday Times. Calleja claimed that the princess had fallen into a coma due to health complications.
“The doctors had to make drastic decisions at that moment because of the complications that arose,” Calleja stated. “The decision was made to induce a coma. They had to intubate her. There were serious complications that they didn’t anticipate because the operation went smoothly, but the postoperative period did not go as expected.”
The outlet reported that Calleja claimed Middleton was at one point in “great danger” and that “practically an entire hospital” was set up at her home. Other Spanish outlets also relayed Calleja’s claims.
Shortly after, a palace source strongly refuted the report, labeling it as “total nonsense.”
“The journalist did not make any effort to fact-check her claims with anyone within the household,” the source informed the outlet. “It is entirely fabricated, and to put it politely, it is absolutely untrue.”
Requests for comment from both Kensington Palace and Calleja went unanswered by US Newzs Digital.
Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” expressed to US Newzs Digital that the palace would have benefited from being more transparent regarding Middleton’s surgery.
“Any rational person would question what’s happening within the House of Windsor,” Andersen remarked. “William’s choice not to attend the memorial service for King Constantine of Greece – his godfather and a figure closely connected to England’s royal family – only adds more speculation. It’s quite concerning.”
“It’s hard to believe that there isn’t something more significant going on,” Andersen commented. “That’s how it feels to me, at least, and I’ve been covering the royal family for 50 years.”
“The palace has a history of being out of touch,” he continued. “Their approach of sharing only partial information has backfired – and significantly so. … What does the vague statement ‘recovering from abdominal surgery’ actually mean? It certainly raises more questions than it provides answers.”
Both U.K. and international media have closely followed the health of Britain’s senior royals in recent years. This attention began as the late Queen Elizabeth II withdrew from public appearances in the final months of her 70-year reign and continued with the ascension of King Charles III to the throne at an age when most of his peers were retired.
Middleton is married to Prince William, who is next in line to the British throne.
Since the surgery was scheduled, it implies that it wasn’t an emergency. However, there have been no photographs of Middleton leaving the hospital.
Royal photographer and broadcaster Helena Chard told US Newzs Digital that the royal family deserves privacy as the princess recovers within the palace.
“Why should the palace provide more details about Catherine, Princess of Wales?” said Chard. “We have been informed about Catherine’s major abdominal surgery and that she is recuperating, and will be seen after the Easter holidays. We have been updated on Catherine’s progress, so why should the public be demanding more information?”
“We have never been given access to every intricate detail regarding our royal family, and now that they are offering more information about their lives, the public seems to demand even more,” Chard shared. “I believe we should cut them some slack. It makes me wonder if we should return to the ‘less is more’ approach and appreciate the mystique of the royal family.”
Schofield previously informed US Newzs Digital that Middleton’s recovery has been progressing smoothly.
“I have heard that the Princess of Wales has been responding to emails, but everything has been organized in a way that she is not overwhelmed or disturbed by incoming communication,” said Schofield.
“Kate is not one to break the rules,” Schofield shared. “She will adhere to the doctor’s instructions but will participate when possible, ensuring she doesn’t fall behind. I don’t anticipate seeing her in an official capacity until Easter, but I believe she is actively involved behind the scenes.”