The Kate Middleton Conspiracy Theories Need To Stop

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With royal rumors swirling this week, it seems like most internet users’ preferred form of exercise is jumping to conclusions. Folks have been playing a game of “Where’s Waldo” with Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. On Jan. 16, the palace informed the public that Kate had undergone a “planned” abdominal surgery, as detailed by HuffPost senior reporter Carly Ledbetter.
In a statement, the palace said that “based on the current medical advice,” Kate probably won’t return to public duties until after Easter. But people riding the two horsemen of the online apocalypse — X, formerly known as Twitter, and TikTok — have dismissed the official story, instead producing a deluge of memes and theories about Kate’s absence.
“yeh so basically Kate Middleton hasn’t been seen in months like she’s actually missing. word on the conspiracy street is that she’s doing 1 of many things – gone for a BBL, growing out her bangs, lost at the Wonka experience. also she’s possibly banksy x” pic.twitter.com/IP20NIKgGl
The Kate Middleton reveal on Masked Singer is going to make all of us look silly.
BREAKING: Kate Middleton has been spotted at the Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow pic.twitter.com/R4Nf8HMCrP
kate middleton’s bbl, rhinoplasty, and facelift is healing. i will not entertain any other conspiracy theory until (if) she reappears.
everyone’s speculating on why kate middleton and king charles are out of the public eye i think the answer is obvious ..they got freaky fridayed
The speculation comes after news that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer on Feb. 5. In January, the king underwent surgery after seeking “treatment for an enlarged prostate” earlier that month. (Kate was also receiving her operation at that same hospital.) Although the palace has not disclosed the precise nature of Charles’ illness, they have confirmed it is not prostate cancer.
Some folks online have pointed out the contrast between the British press’ dedication to preserving Kate’s privacy and their treatment of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex — recalling the racist vitriol that myriad tabloids directed toward the duchess.
I remember very well when the British press and public demanded to know every detail about Meghan’s childbirth. But when the white duchess goes into hiding for over 2 months they stay mute and claim she deserves privacy and peace. #KateMiddleton pic.twitter.com/EmYOFyIrvT
I have no problem with Kate Middleton taking time to recover from whatever is going on with her. I think it’s wonderful, because every day that she enjoys privacy & respect regarding whatever ails her, is further proof that Meghan Markle was intentionally bullied & abused.
It needs to be said that the British press’s respect and deference shown to Kate Middleton would have *never* been extended to Meghan in a million years.
To all the people vehemently defending Kate Middleton’s privacy, do Meghan Markle next… pic.twitter.com/6jeUNT8wub
In December 2021, Meghan won a legal battle against the Daily Mail, claiming that the publication “violated her privacy” by publishing a letter she sent to her father in 2018. Moreover, in December, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, was awarded $180,000 in a lawsuit against tabloid conglomerate Mirror Group Newspapers, alleging that they hacked his phone.
Nonetheless, on Thursday, the palace sought to put to bed the rumors regarding Kate’s status. Learn more about what the princess’ spokesperson said here before diving into the rest of The Culture Catchall.
To get the full entertainment newsletter in your inbox weekly, subscribe to The Culture Catchall here.
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