Trending 13th March 2024 by Stellar Magazine

What We Know So Far About Kate Middleton & The Royal Family

Here's a run down of everything that has happened so far

Photos via Kensington Palace

Since December, Kate Middleton has been absent from her royal duties and the media. She has been the centre of recent royal controversy, with speculation of poor health and martial issues.

Rumours of alternative scandals have been sparked although the truth is uncertain, and it is impossible to say for sure what goes on behind closed doors.

Here is what we know for certain.

December 25, 2023 – Kate’s last official public appearance

Almost three months ago, Kate made her final public appearance before this year’s commotion.

On Christmas Day last year, she joined the rest of the royal family in a walk at the church at Sandringham, as a royal tradition. Dressed in blue, with a big smile and her three children… this was the last time that she, her son George, daughter Charlotte and youngest, Louis were seen in the public eye.

January 16, 2024 – The Princess of Wales is admitted to hospital for ‘planned’ abdominal surgery

In a statement issued by Kensington Palace on January 17, it was revealed that Kate was admitted to the London Clinic the previous day, for a “planned abdominal surgery.”

People suspect that there was nothing ‘planned’ about Kate’s admission to the hospital, as in December, the Prince and Princess of Wales had made a statement which unveiled that they would be taking a Royal trip to Italy during this period.

January 17, 2024 – Kensington Palace reveals that Kate had a ‘successful’ surgery

In their statement, the palace revealed that the surgery was a success, and that the princess would remain hospitalised for up to two more weeks.

“Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital 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.”

Further details remained private, although it was confirmed that the medical issue was non-cancerous.

It was also mentioned that the princess’s return to her royal duties will be unlikely “until after Easter.”

“Then Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible,” they said.

January 18, 2024 – William is photographed for the first and only time visiting Kate

One day post-surgery, Prince William is photographed leaving a visit with his wife. There are no other reports of any known visits from William, her children, or her parents.

January 29, 2024 – Kate is discharged from hospital

Kensington Palace gave an updated statement which revealed that Kate had been discharged from the London clinic.

At this point, Kate has not been seen in 35 days.

February 7, 2024 – William returns to royal duties without his wife

February 20, 2024 – Prince William makes a statement regarding the conflict in the Middle East which leads to further speculation.

The Prince puts out a statement on Instagram about the conflict in the Middle East, however, he makes no mention of his wife.

To further add to suspicions, he uses his solo monogram to sign off his statement. This was the one he used before he became married.

It has now been over nine weeks that Kate and her children have been seen in the public domain… and so the hashtag #whereiskatemiddleton began to go viral. 

February 29, 2024 – Palace gives an update on Kate’s health

Following the plot of Kate’s absence becoming the spotlight of the media, Kensington Palace released another statement, giving an update on Kate’s health and whereabouts.

A spokesperson shared on behalf of the princess that she was “doing well” in her recovery. To further shut down speculation they expressed in a statement made to ABS News that, “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.”

Many argue that when it comes to your health, privacy should be respected.

March 4, 2024 – Kate is seen for the first time since December

After an absence of roughly 68 days, the Princess of Wales has been seen for the first time, in a photograph that had emerged of her riding in a car alongside her mother, Carole Middleton.

People suspect that Kate appears to look different, particularly her chin… which may have been a bit of a stretch!

This photograph was not authorised to be released by Kensington Palace.

March 10, 2024- Kate shares photo for Mother’s Day, which leads to suspicion

Here is where things take an unusual turn.

Less than a week later, the royal account shares a photo of Kate with her three children for Mother’s Day with the caption:

“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C”

This photo was a presumable effort to shut down rumours and false claims regarding the princess and her family, however, it did the opposite of what it was intended to do.

Almost immediately after the photo’s release there was huge controversy concerning the authenticity of the image, hence pouring fuel on an already blazing fire. It became clear to the public that it was edited.

March 10, 2024 – Kensington Palace retracts the photo

To complicate the subject further, the Associated Press, withdrew its endorsement of the photo.

The following reason for killing the photo was listed: “At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent.”

March 11, 2024 – A forensic digital expert confirms that the photo has been modified

March 11, 2024 – Kate publicly apologises for ‘any confusion’ over photo

The following day, the princess makes a statement on Twitter, where she apologises for any ‘confusion’ caused by her experimental editing.

“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” she says.

“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C”

March 11, 2024 – Kate is seen leaving Windsor Castle in a car with William for a ‘private appointment’

The Prince of Wales was photographed in a chauffeured car leaving Windsor with someone who may be the princess. The photo is vague, and the passenger is facing away from the camera.

Regardless of whether the Royal Family are being transparent about this situation, one thing is for certain… that Kensington Palace have made a total mess with their careless decisions and defensive statements.

As for the princess, we hope that she and her family are doing well, and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Words by Shauna Whyte 

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