The controversial photo released by Prince William to show Kate is in good health. (Image via @theprinceandprincessofwhales)
Volunteer Writer: Alexandra D’Eon
Email: adeon@umassd.edu
In the past few weeks there have been rumors circulating about the disappearance of Princess Kate Middleton, who, until recently, was not seen since December 2023.
Conspiracy theories surrounding her absence have been circulating the internet. From accusations of photo editing in the photo released of her and her children (which has since been deleted from their Instagram account) to rumors of a body double portraying her in public, the internet has taken her “disappearance” to great lengths.
These theories began innocently enough that Kate got a bad haircut and was waiting for it to grow out. Or that she had undergone a “Mommy Makeover” and was recovering from a tummy tuck. The theories, however, began to take on a darker theme with accusations of Prince William harming Kate or that she had fallen into a coma. Many people were concerned about Kate, having heard that she had undergone abdominal surgery.
Rumors about the surgery she had undergone have been circulating as well. People are speculating that she had a hysterectomy or perhaps a hernia. Without any knowledge or word from the royal family or Kate herself, the internet has done its usual damage- creating scenarios that would never happen.
With the current state of King Charles and his cancer diagnosis, people were rightfully worried. So, with significant pressure on The Crown for Kate to reveal herself to the public as alive and well, Princess Kate released a statement.
On March, 23 the Youtube channel The Prince and Princess of Wales posted a video titled “A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales”.
In the video, Princess Kate sits on a bench in what appears to be a garden to release her statement. Kate revealed that she had indeed undergone abdominal surgery, which, at first, her medical team had deemed non-cancerous. But a biopsy of the tissue after surgery revealed that it was, in fact, cancerous.
Princess Kate has started cancer treatments, including chemotherapy.
Kate had been out of the public eye by the advisement of her medical team after undergoing her procedure. Many people are outraged that the Princess had to make a statement at all regarding her health, believing it is a private matter. Others who believe the royal family must maintain their public image are shocked that this news was not revealed sooner.
Kate did not address any of the theories in her video. She was polite and poised as she unveiled her diagnosis, simply stating that she is grateful for the support she has received from those concerned about her. The princess states that she and Prince William are taking their time to process her condition and are working with a medical team to determine the best course of action.
This news is both saddening and shocking when considering King Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis. The royal family is under great distress, with two of their family members suffering through a cancer diagnosis.
The royal family asks for privacy during these trying times. It is very difficult to maintain a public persona when undergoing such a personal and scary health event.
It’s moments such as this that we realize that sometimes the “conspiracy theories” we create can truly impact a person. We are so far removed from the royal family because they are such an unattainable relationship that it is easy to poke fun at a situation. However, in this case, it’s best that we respect Kate and her family’s wishes and allow her to get better.
There are still rumors that this video is produced by AI and isn’t Kate at all, but it may be best to let that rumor lie.