Topline
The Princess of Wales was initially listed by the U.K. Ministry of Defence as scheduled to appear at the Trooping the Colour army parade in June, which would have been her first scheduled appearance since her abdominal surgery, but the references to her on the ministry’s website—much like the princess herself—have disappeared.
Kate Middleton was initially listed as slated to attend the Trooping the Colour event in London. ... [+]
Key Facts
The Ministry of Defence’s online event description for the Trooping the Colour parade originally listed the princess as scheduled to attend alongside a large picture of her, which now no longer appears on the website.
Kate has not had a scheduled appearance in public since she attended a service with the royal family on Christmas, though paparazzi pictures ostensibly of Kate in the passenger seat of a car circulated earlier this week.
Kate’s attendance at the parade was reportedly not confirmed by Kensington Palace before the Ministry of Defence published her involvement online.
Kensington Palace had previously stated Kate would not be expected to make any scheduled appearances until after Easter while she recovers from her abdominal surgery.
Key Background
Speculation over Kate’s whereabouts has grown as she went unseen in public for more than two months. She was admitted to the hospital for planned abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace announced Jan. 17, and she returned home to continue her recovery nearly two weeks later. Her absence from the public eye sparked rumors and conspiracy theories, and some social media users noted the palace did not specify why Kate received surgery or what medical condition she had. Spanish journalist Concha Calleja claimed Kate faced complications after surgery and needed to be placed in a coma, but Kensington Palace reportedly slammed this theory as “ludicrous.” Speculation grew after William pulled out of a memorial service for his godfather, King Constantine of Greece, on Feb. 27, citing a “personal matter.” A photo reportedly of Kate in a car in London circulated the internet March 4, though the image, which was grainy and low-quality, did little to halt public speculation.
Tangent
Kate’s hospitalization coincided with other high-profile royal absences: On the same day Kensington Palace announced she was admitted for surgery, the royal family announced Charles would receive treatment for an enlarged prostate. The family later announced on Feb. 5 he was diagnosed with a form of cancer, and some of his public engagements were postponed. Queen Camilla, who had led royal engagements amid Charles’ absence, reportedly cleared her schedule for the week ending March 11, causing speculation over whether Charles’ condition was improving.
Surprising Fact
Kate’s family also garnered attention this week after her uncle, Gary Goldsmith, joined the cast of the U.K. edition of Celebrity Big Brother. The Sun, a British tabloid, reported Kate’s family is unhappy about his appearance over fears he would discuss royal family drama. Goldsmith has already discussed his family on the show, telling fellow housemates Kate is “difficult to get hold of” because of her family obligations. He has also slammed Harry and Meghan, reportedly stating Meghan’s addition to the royal family “puts a stick in the spokes and creates so much drama.” Just prior to joining the house, Goldsmith told The Sun he felt Harry and Meghan threw the royal family “under the bus” and defended Kate as “100% not racist,” slamming speculation that Kate was one of the royal family members that voiced concerns over the skin ton of Harry and Meghan’s child.
Further Reading
U.K. Army Removes Claim Kate Middleton Will Attend Event Amid Ongoing Speculation (TIME)
Kate Middleton’s Whereabouts: Princess Of Wales Spotted For First Time Since Christmas (Forbes)
