Conspiracy theories, jokes, and memes about Kate Middleton’s whereabouts have surged on social media. The Princess of Wales has not been seen in public since Christmas Day, sparking widespread curiosity.
Speculation had been brewing online for some time, but it reached mainstream attention when news broke that Prince William would not attend a memorial service for King Constantine of Greece due to a “personal matter.” Social media quickly linked this mysterious “personal matter” to Middleton’s disappearance from public life.
Where Is Kate Middleton?
In January, Kensington Palace announced that Middleton had undergone abdominal surgery and was recovering at home. The surgery was reportedly successful, but the Palace stated that she would not return to public duties until after Easter and wished to keep her medical status private.
However, this privacy only fueled more speculation, and royal enthusiasts noted that even the British tabloids had not captured any photos of Middleton since her hospital stay. Rumors escalated after Spanish TV host Concha Calleja claimed that the Princess was in a medically induced coma due to surgical complications, citing an anonymous source within the royal household. The Palace has strongly denied this claim, calling it “total nonsense.”
Despite the Palace’s denials, the internet continued to be rife with conspiracy theories.
What Is the Kate Middleton Conspiracy Theory?
Multiple theories have emerged, ranging from sinister cover-ups to absurd speculations:
1. Troubled Marriage: Rumors of a troubled marriage between the Prince and Princess, with whispers of an impending divorce and allegations of Prince William having an affair.
2. Domestic Violence: Some theories cite Prince William’s “short temper” and Prince Harry’s claim in his autobiography, Spare, about a physical altercation between the brothers.
3. Cosmetic Surgery: Speculations that Middleton has been recovering from cosmetic surgery, with jokes about procedures like a Brazilian buttock lift (BBL) or a bad haircut she’s waiting to grow out.
4. Escape or Wild Adventures: Commentators have humorously suggested that Middleton has run away with Pete Davidson or has been seen at the viral Willy Wonka experience.
As the theories grew wilder, they evolved into a meme trend, with most commentators joining in on the joke.
Why Are There So Many Kate Middleton Conspiracy Theories?
The British Royal Family has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, following the dramatic exit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the depiction of the family in the popular Netflix drama The Crown. This spotlight has highlighted the contrast between the Royal Family’s polished exterior and the dark secrets that seem to lurk beneath the surface, igniting the imaginations of commentators and conspiracy theorists.
The prolonged absence of Kate Middleton might be dramatic or mundane, but there is widespread distrust of the Palace’s official statements.
Update: The Plot Thickens
Kensington Palace recently released the first official photograph of Kate Middleton since her “disappearance.” The photo, reportedly taken by Prince William, shows Middleton sitting with her three children, appearing healthy and happy. However, online commentators quickly pointed out strange, uncanny details in the photo, suggesting it might have been altered or even AI-generated.
Hours later, Reuters, the Associated Press (AP), and Agence France-Presse (AFP) issued “kill” notifications, removing the photograph from their databases and requesting clients to do the same, citing irregularities with the image. The Palace has declined to comment on the reactions from the photo agencies.
Instead of quelling the rumors, the photo has only added fuel to the conspiratorial flames.