Kate Middleton visits Nottingham Trent University on Oct. 11, 2023.Photo:Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
WhenPrince Williamabruptlypulled out of a planned outingto his godfather King Constantine of Greece’s memorial service on Feb. 27, concerns surroundingKate Middleton’s health followingabdominal surgeryreached a fever pitch.
Despite the palace’s brief comment stating that the Princess of Wales, 42, “continues to be doing well” in her recovery, and her recent sighting during a car ride with her mother, Carole Middleton, this week, one palace insider describes the overall lack of information as complete “radio silence” regarding her condition.
Kensington Palacerevealed on Jan. 17that Princess Kate underwent a “planned” abdominal procedure the previous day without giving further information on the cause, noting the royal’s “wish that her personal medical information remains private.” They did note that the issue was non-cancerous and that Kate wasn’t expected to return to public royal duties until after Easter.
However, the lack of clarity about what led to the Princess of Wales' abdominal surgery left a vacuum that has been filled with numerousconspiracy theoriesregarding her health and whereabouts. In response to this speculation, aspokesman reiteratedon Feb. 29 that Kate would not be resuming public engagements until after Easter.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
People Cover: Royals in Turmoil
Still, Princess Kate’s presence is sorely missed, and Prince William hasregularly received well wishes for his wifeduring his recent royal engagements.
“She is their MVP, without any doubt,” royal historian Amanda Foreman tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s cover story. “She is in so many ways the most like the late Queen.”
Adds royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, “She’s so central to the monarchy and the future.”
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
“Queen Elizabethused to say, ‘I need to be seen to be believed.’ It is important for Charles and his reign for the public to know a little bit more,” she adds.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton at Scotland’s coronation celebration on July 5, 2023.Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty Images
Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty Images
In addition to two of the most senior members of the royal family being sidelined due to health concerns,Prince HarryandMeghan Markle’s decision to step back from their roles as working members of the royal family in 2020 has left the royal family with few members to take up duties.
Adds Catherine Mayer, who authored the biographyCharles: The Heart of a King: “This is massively exposing how the royal family has gone from too many people to too few in a short space of time.”
source: people.com
