The Princess of Wales has stepped down from royal duties following scheduled abdominal surgery. She will be returning some time after Easter, health permitting.
These were the instructions the British public and press were given on 17 January. The proceeding vacuum of information has been invariably filled with misinformation and furphy. A spokesperson for the Princess has now responded.
Public theorising reached fever-pitch on Tuesday with concern spiked as a result of Prince Williams’ notable absence from his godfather King Constantine’s memorial service in Windsor Castle. A representative for Kate told US Weekly: ‘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.’ Adding only that the ‘guidance stands.’ The somewhat formidable response followed speculation on social media that the Prince of Wales was conspicuously missing from Constantine’s service because of the Princess’ ongoing health issues.
This ‘storm’ included a journalist in Spain alleging that Kate has been in a ‘medically induced coma’, a mistruth which was rapidly shut down by the palace and billed as ‘ludicrous’. On 29 January the palace confirmed that the future Queen was ‘making good progress.’
The Princess of Wales went into hospital at the London Clinic for scheduled abdominal surgery on 17 January, according to an official statement. Following 13 days of treatment and recovery at the clinic, Kate was discharged and is said to be progressing well at home in Adelaide Cottage, Windsor. While no additional details about the Princess’s condition have been disclosed, it has been confirmed as non-cancerous.
William pulling out of the remembrance service of King Constantine, known affectionately as ‘Tino’ to close friends, was also reportedly nothing to do with the tragic and sudden death of Thomas Kingston. Son-in-law to Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and husband to Lady Gabriella, Kingston’s death was a ‘shock’ to the royals, with Buckingham Palace announcing that the King and Queen would be ‘grieving a much-loved member of the family.’
The royals also sent their ‘most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and to all the Kingston family.’ Despite the family loss, it is insisted that Prince William was absent due to ‘family matters.’ The Prince is out and about today visiting a synagogue in central London, which may go some way to reassure the public rumour mill that all is well with both Prince William and his wife’s recovery.
Updates on King Charles III have been much more frequent and forthcoming. The King is continuing to receive treatment for cancer, during which period he will not be partaking in any public appearances.
Given today’s announcement from a spokeswoman for the Princess of Wales, it seems that Kate Middleton is still on track to return to public duties some time after Easter. As such, Kensington Palace may not be releasing any official updates until after that deadline passes. Thus far, though, all rumours have been shut down by a family who want to retain privacy during an increasingly challenging time.
