Princess Kate Middleton was spotted in public for the first time in 70 days, sparking questions about her lengthy absence.
She underwent planned abdominal surgery in January and was said to be recuperating at home until Easter.
However, royal experts noted the unusual length of her recovery and lack of public appearances.
Her surgery was said to be successful, but details have been scarce.
“She was trying to sneak out of Windsor with her mother and was clearly not pleased that they had been spotted by a photographer,” author Christopher Andersen said. “This cloak-and-dagger stuff is only going to fuel more speculation about what’s really going on with Kate and with her father-in-law, King Charles.”
Some speculate about potential ongoing medical issues or emotional exhaustion.
Others have called for respecting her request for privacy during recovery.
Andersen added, “In its typically smug fashion, the palace issued a statement last week insisting that everything was going according to plan. They never explained, however, why Kate spent weeks in the hospital after ‘planned abdominal surgery’ and has needed to remain closeted away for months. It’s all been terribly fishy from the get-go.”
“Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. The guidance in January stands that the Princess would be recuperating at home in Windsor,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson stated.
“This cloak-and-dagger stuff is only going to fuel more speculation about what’s really going on with Kate and with her father-in-law, King Charles,” Andersen said.
Her brief appearance with her mother did little to ease speculation around her extended time away or what prompted the initial surgery.
Royal family members typically maintain active public schedules even during medical issues, fueling questions about what may really be affecting the Princess of Wales.
“Keep in mind that members of the royal family in particular are famous for getting out there [and] keeping up appearances no matter what,” Andersen said. “Queen Elizabeth never spent months recovering from an illness, and over the course of her 70-year reign, she dealt with a number of serious medical issues. So, the mystery surrounding Kate’s surgery and what it was for deepens.”
“Even if she is determined to keep such things private, it wouldn’t have hurt for the Princess of Wales to pop her head above the parapet every now and then. It may be too late now. Even if she hits the ground running after Easter, which was the original plan, people are still going to wonder about whether her absence from the public eye was due to a serious medical problem, emotional exhaustion or a combination of both,” he said.
Andersen added, “It may also be that her medical problem, whatever it is, gave her a new appreciation of what she regards as truly important in life – spending time at home with her children. Kate really is such a pro at handling the press and the public, for her to remain out of sight like this really has to make one wonder: What in God’s name is going on?”
“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 that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery,” the palace said.
“Kate really is such a pro at handling the press and the public, for her to remain out of sight like this really has to make one wonder: What in God’s name is going on?” Andersen asked.
“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,” Kensington Palace said.
“I think internet trolls and even some royal commentators have been pretty vulgar in their demands for additional details on the status of the Princess of Wales. I’ll say what the Prince and Princess of Wales cannot: It’s none of our damn business,” podcast host Kinsey Schofield said.
“Catherine has asked very little from us over the years. Then she asks for privacy to heal until Easter and everyone loses their minds and refuses to give her that peace.”
“I’ll say what the Prince and Princess of Wales cannot: It’s none of our [expletive] business,” she said.
“I would not wish Kate’s world on my worst enemy,” Schofield said. “Picked apart by the media and social media with no escape. Not even bed rest is sacred.”
She added, “Catherine will make a wonderful queen because she has found the power to endure this kind of scrutiny. I could not take it.”
“His Majesty is doing quite well,” a royal source said.
“During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” Buckingham Palace stated. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
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