Princess Kate has not been seen in public since Christmas Day, because she is currently in recovery from an abdominal surgery she had in mid-January.
But because the internet is the internet, people are running wild with "disappearance" conspiracy theories, including drawing supposed timelines of what they believe happened. Other theories include: The Princess of Wales is filming some reality TV, is dating Pete Davidson, has "Freaky Friday-ed" with the King, has been found in an internet-famous house, and, uh, something with Willy Wonka I don't fully understand.
While making light of any situation can help us feel better about it, it's also important to look at the facts wherever we can, especially when talking about somebody's health, so here's what we actually know based on statements from the Palace and royal sources.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales
A photo posted by princeandprincessofwales on
Why has Princess Kate not been seen since Christmas?
The princess underwent a "planned abdominal surgery" in January, following which she remained in hospital for two weeks before continuing her recovery at home in Windsor. A statement from Kensington Palace explained that Kate would not resume royal duties until at least after Easter; a follow-up statement on February 29 reiterated this.
What has Prince William said about his wife's recovery?
While Prince William has been characteristically discreet about Kate's surgery and recovery, he did make a joke during one of his first public appearances following her hospitalization.
At the London Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner, the Prince of Wales said, "It's fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather 'medical' focus, so I thought I'd come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all."
This also referred to his father King Charles' cancer diagnosis, which was sadly announced earlier this month.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
What else has been said about Kate's recovery?
When a royal source revealed that Prince William would be pulling out of a service of thanksgiving for his godfather King Constantine of Greece on Feb. 27 due to a "personal matter," the same royal source shared that Kate "continues to be doing well."
On February 29, a royal source reiterated to HuffPost: "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.”
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Finds the Perfect Spring Dresses at Reformation
She's worn the brand twice in the past week.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Curiously, Just as Meghan Markle Sends Samples of Her New Strawberry Jam Out, the Buckingham Palace Shop Starts Promoting Its Own Strawberry Jam on Social Media
The clip promoting the Buckingham Palace Shop’s product—we cannot make this up—is set to Mozart’s “Dissonance Quartet.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Zendaya's Latest 'Challengers' Serve Is Nearly a Century Old
The 1930s-era dress may have been pulled months ago.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Are Prioritizing Their Children's "Happiness" Amid Kate's Diagnosis, Source Says
The little ones come first.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate Makes History with New Appointment from Father-in-Law King Charles
The two have grown especially close in recent months as both undergo treatment for cancer.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Louis Turns 6—See the Adorable New Photo
Princess Kate was behind the lens.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis “Are Following Some New Rules” at Home to Help Make Life Easier for Princess Kate
As their mother receives treatment for cancer, the Wales trio is reportedly pitching in and taking on some extra chores around the house.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Single-Handedly Planned His and Kate Middleton’s Romantic Honeymoon
Kate had no idea where they were headed on their two week luxurious break from reality until after their 2011 wedding.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle Thinks Prince Harry Is "Making a Big Mistake" in Wanting to Reach Out to William, Kate: Source
She's worried he'll get hurt again.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate Reportedly Carries These Four Items in Her Enviable Collection of Handbags
Guarantee we all carry at least one of these items in our own, as well.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Princess Kate Rarely Wears These Three Colors—and a Fashion Stylist Digs Into the Reason Why
“She tends to avoid certain colors, not because they’re ‘wrong,’ but because she knows what really brings out her natural beauty.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published