Guys, wtf is going on with Kate Middleton? If you went from literally never thinking about the Princess of Wales to wondering why you can’t stop seeing her face every time you open Instagram, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know in terms of where Kate Middleton is, what happened to her, and why she’s all over your FYP. (Plus, scroll to see her first public statement.)
What Happened to Kate Middleton?
2024 has been weird for Kate, and it all started when the palace released a statement on January 17 announcing that she had been admitted to the hospital one day prior for a “planned abdominal surgery.”
At this point, the palace said Kate wouldn’t be back to (her version of) work until April, writing, “She is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”
Already, there were a few sus details about this. The statement apologized on Kate’s behalf for postponing her events for the next two months. If the surgery was “planned,” wouldn’t her schedule have been accommodated ahead of time?
They asked that her “personal medical information remains private,” adding that Kate wants “normality” for her children. Her and Prince William’s three kids live in a palace, go to a private school that costs more than a down payment for that house you’ll never afford, and belong to a family with an estimated net worth of $28 billion — normalcy is relative.
When Was Kate Middleton’s Last Public Appearance?
Kate was last seen on Christmas Day attending a church service in Sandringham, England, with her kids and husband. While I was thirsting over her Gianvito Rossi boots, I had no idea she’d be the biggest disappearance since Jimmy Hoffa.
She remained MIA while celebrating her 42nd birthday on January 9, and William had his first solo event of the new year on January 11.
Kate Middleton’s First Public Statement:
Kate finally broke her silence on Sunday, March 10, by sharing a photo of her and her kids (without William, may I add) for Mother’s Day. Some people are convinced it’s AI but like, don’t ask me. IDFK.
Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.
Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C
📸 The Prince of Wales, 2024 pic.twitter.com/6DywGBpLLQ
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 10, 2024
What Kind of Surgery Did Kate Middleton Have?
The palace has continued to keep things cryptic about Kate’s abdominal surgery. A January 29 statement confirmed that she had returned home from the London Clinic and was “making good progress.”
13 days in a hospital is no joke, and suspicions were raised when William, who had already taken time off amid Kate’s hospitalization, unexpectedly pulled out of an event on February 27 due to a “personal matter.”
There is truly a plethora of procedures Kate could have undergone — gall bladder removal, hysterectomy, removal of a malignant tumor — it would be impossible to narrow down. That hasn’t stopped internet “sleuths” from throwing out their guesses, which is how poor Kate went from minding her own business in the hospital to people wondering if she got a BBL or face lift.
The whole situation is weird. Everyone can see it’s weird, and I’m not sure why Buckingham Palace is gaslighting all of us. Amid speculation of Kate’s whereabouts, another statement was released in an attempt to shut down concern.
“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 February 29 statement read, claiming that Kate is “doing well.”
OK, but why did they have to take that tone with us? On Leap Day, nonetheless.
Was Kate Middleton Actually in the Car?
Kate was finally seen on March 4 in totally not staged and not at all forced photographs. She wore sunglasses and sat in the passenger seat of a car driven by her mom, Carole Middleton.
Two details have seemed to ooze their way into every publication: She was driving *near* Windsor castle (not on the grounds — seeeee she’s out and about!) and the pictures were not released or authorized by Kensington Palace. Sure, Jan.
The circumstances surrounding the fuzzy, big foot-esque photos are so bizarre that the internet once again lit up with rumors that Kate wasn’t actually the person in the car. Was it her sister, Pippa Middleton, posing in her place? A wax figure? Some sort of extraterrestrial being? There’s no way to really prove this, but it wouldn’t be the furthest the palace has gone to cover up something sketchy.
When Will Kate Middleton Be Back?
We can only hope we will see Kate thriving once April rolls around. Thoughts and prayers, girlie, looking forward to your new butt!