Ever since Kate Middleton's surgery on January 16, a cloud of mystery has enveloped the Princess of Wales, sparking a wave of online speculation and conspiracy theories. The intrigue deepened when Kensington Palace announced that Kate would not be undertaking any Royal duties until after Easter 2024, setting off a flurry of whispers and rumours.
The speculation gained momentum as Kate remained in the hospital for an extended two-week period, with her departure notably absent from the public eye. The lack of photographs capturing her exit intensified curiosity, giving rise to various conspiracy theories circulating online. Adding fuel to the speculations, Spanish journalist Concha Calleja stirred the pot by suggesting on her TV show that Kate's condition might be more severe than officially acknowledged.
Calleja claimed insider information indicating that Kate was in grave danger, allegedly prompting a medically-induced coma due to post-surgery complications. Kensington Palace swiftly dismissed these claims, as reported by Newsweek, labelling them as "ludicrous" and reiterating that Kate was "making good progress."
Despite the palace's efforts to quell the rumours, the mystery surrounding Kate's health persists, fueled by the absence of public appearances and official photographs. The situation took a complicated turn when Prince William, Kate's husband, cancelled a significant public appearance, citing a "personal matter" without divulging further details. The lack of transparent information has led to a surge in speculation and conspiracy theories on social media platforms. Netizens are actively engaging in discussions and sharing their theories regarding Kate's health and the reasons behind Prince William's unexpected cancellation.
Given that the internet is the non-serious playground that it has become, it is obvious that memes were made. Some folks on X are photoshopping the Princess in various places, claiming they've "found her." Photographs include Kate with Pete Davidson, in random movie frames, joining the notorious Glee Club, and in absurd architectural structures.
Kate Middleton, no! pic.twitter.com/c3lChADXpo
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) February 28, 2024
Guys, relax, I found Kate Middleton. pic.twitter.com/qcrYQIgf0G
— Jane Austen First Drafts (@Austen1stDrafts) February 29, 2024
you’re not going to fucking believe where i found kate middleton pic.twitter.com/fiSWW36k38
— Adam (@adamgreattweet) February 29, 2024
Kate Middleton has joined the glee club pic.twitter.com/cxKJhyXOyC
— McKinley High Updates ミ☆ (@MckinleyUpdates) February 29, 2024
can’t believe Kate Middleton entered the princess protection program
— kyra 🪩🍅✨ (@kyrasversion) February 28, 2024
Kate Middleton has been spotted at the Willy Wonka experience pic.twitter.com/YneXReIdQN
— Aimee🌷 (@CambridgeAimee) February 29, 2024
not a single banksy since kate middleton disappeared. coincidence?
— Lucy (@LMAsaysno) February 27, 2024
kate middleton has been FOUND inside the fall out boy vip lounge in portland! pic.twitter.com/4ZRzleHfGk
— EVIL fall out boy tour updates :) (@fobtourupdates) February 29, 2024
One X user summed up all the fan theories, using the viral GIF of Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift exchanging piping hot tea. The post read, "Basically Kate Middleton hasn’t been seen in months like she’s actually missing. Word on the conspiracy street is that she’s doing one of many things - gone for a BBL, growing out her bangs, lost at the Wonka experience. Also, she’s possibly Banksy."
“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
— tiger b (@tiger_brooke) February 28, 2024
Kate Middleton hasn’t been seen for about 2 months now pic.twitter.com/NN1GqBD6PD
— stoned cold fox (@roastmalone_) February 27, 2024
Another user of the microblogging site penned, "My favourite Kate Middleton theory so far is that she got bangs and is waiting for them to grow out." One more offered, "The Kate Middleton reveal on Masked Singer is going to make all of us look silly."
My favorite Kate Middleton theory so far is that she got bangs and is waiting for them to grow out 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Taylor 🌻 (@itsmet_19) February 28, 2024
The Kate Middleton reveal on Masked Singer is going to make all of us look silly.
— Catherine Tinker (@catherinetinker) February 28, 2024
One user of the site formerly known as Twitter offered a rather dark twist. Drawing a reference from Saltburn, a recently, divisive tale about the affluent, the user claimed that whoever was "Saltburn-ing" the royal family was on X, amused by the conspiracy theories. One other person claimed that Kate and the King had simply pulled a Freaky Friday.
Whoever is Saltburn-ing the royal family watching us talk about Kate Middleton having a BBL pic.twitter.com/0XJOqFFYzQ
— Rap Game Ina Garten (@KaraBTweets) February 28, 2024
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
— youngmi mayer (@ymmayer) February 28, 2024
Some internet users decided to bring out the big guns, asking Taylor Swift fans for help. "Can the Swifties who spend all their time hunting for easter eggs that aren’t there with the fervour of Jake Gyllenhaal hunting the Zodiac Killer do something useful for once and figure out where Kate Middleton is?" one requested.
can the swifties who spend all their time hunting for easter eggs that aren’t there with the fervor of jake gyllenhaal hunting the zodiac killer do something useful for once and figure out where kate middleton is
— kathleen (@holdenfordfocus) February 28, 2024
Kate Middleton bb don’t worry TRUST the swifties will find you
— Raghav • NYC | Dress stan 🖤 Swiftball Staff 🥰 (@RaghavsRep) February 29, 2024
There were also those who offered that ace detectives be called in to investigate. Current names thrown in the ring are that of Snoopy and Sherlock. Fictional, sure. But hypothetically effective.
I think we know who can find out where Kate Middleton is pic.twitter.com/IqEbhsmr8c
— snoopy posters (@snoomfies) February 29, 2024
So who do you think would be the best detective to sort out this whole Kate Middleton mystery?
— Dr. Fiona Mattatall 🪩 (@FionaMattatall) February 29, 2024
I'll go first... pic.twitter.com/gVtBeLUk7c
they’re gonna find kate middleton pic.twitter.com/Z94nIkRbMi
— camille preaker’s vodka (@joachimtrier) February 28, 2024
this is the only girlie that knows where Kate Middleton is… pic.twitter.com/0o8WbWZcHe
— Charlie Jordan (@charliej623) February 28, 2024
he could find Kate Middleton in 30 seconds flat pic.twitter.com/o6MJsdCtcb
— Deniz (@thedenizr13) February 27, 2024
The best explanation, however, was offered by a mother on the internet. "My three kids are roughly the same age as Kate Middleton’s so I can say pretty confidently that she is hiding in the bathroom pretending to pee for a really long time," she shared.
My three kids are roughly the same age as Kate Middleton’s so I can say pretty confidently that she is hiding in the bathroom pretending to pee for a really long time.
— Kristen Mulrooney (@missmulrooney) February 28, 2024
As the public awaits official updates, the void of information has given rise to heightened curiosity and a surge in online discussions. The Princess's recovery and the circumstances surrounding Prince William's cancellation continue to be shrouded in mystery, leaving the public intrigued and eager for further clarity on this unfolding royal saga.
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