The cryptic nature of Kate Middleton’s health amid her recovery from abdominal surgery in January is reportedly a mystery even to those working in Kensington Palace.
There has been “radio silence” surrounding the Princess of Wales’ condition — save for the occasional updates to the public that she’s “doing well,” a palace insider told People.
“Everybody feels unsettled by uncertainty, and there is too much uncertainty that is surrounding the monarchy right now,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told the outlet.
Concern and curiosity have followed ever since the Jan. 17 announcement that the 42-year-old royal underwent a “successful” procedure the day prior. While Kensington Palace said the operation had been “planned,” they never elaborated on what condition was being treated or otherwise addressed.
The palace did note from the get-go that Kate Middleton was unlikely to return to royal duties until after Easter, citing advice from her doctor’s. However, her complete absence from the public eye since Christmas — aside from a brief sighting this week — has only furthered speculation.
“Queen Elizabeth used to say, ‘I need to be seen to be believed.’ It is important for [King] Charles and his reign for the public to know a little bit more,” said Bedell Smith, noting that Middleton is “in so many ways the most like the late Queen.”
The royal family found itself at the center of conspiracy theories last week as Kate’s husband, Prince William, suddenly pulled out of a memorial service for the late King Constantine of Greece due to “personal reasons.”
There was no elaboration on why the Prince of Wales was unable to attend the ceremony for his godfather.
Theories swirled that Kate was in a coma due to surgery complications, might be trying to conceal a pregnancy, or is attempting to hide troubles in her marriage. Some even (jokingly) speculated that the princess might be the mysterious artist Banksy or is the real-life “Gone Girl.”
Also missing from Constantine’s memorial was King Charles, who was hospitalized at The London Clinic for an enlarged prostate at the same time his daughter-in-law was recovering there from surgery. Shortly after, the monarch, 75, revealed his diagnosis with cancer (said to be unrelated to the enlarged prostate) and though he’s now undergoing treatment, has occasionally been seen in public.
This has only intensified conjecture around Princess Catherine — who Bedell Smith says is “so central to the monarchy and the future.”
Kensington Palace finally broke their silence on the theories late last week.
“We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant,” a spokesperson told People, adding that Kate was “doing well.”
She was photographed this week in the passenger seat of an Audi driven by her mom, Carole Middleton.
