Royal aides have spoken out to condemn the ‘madness of social media’ as conspiracy theories continue to circulate about the health of the Princess of Wales.
While officials have declined to provide further updates on Kate Middleton’s health due to medical privacy, royal aides have insisted she is “doing well.”
After abdominal surgery, Kate has remained out of the public eye for two months while she recovers.
But frenzied speculation began circulating online shortly after Prince William withdrew from the service of the late King Constantine of Greece, who died last January, with his father King Charles also absent as his cancer treatment continued.
The Prince of Wales had not been seen since the Bafta Awards in London earlier this month until he visited the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in central London. The Princess of Wales was last seen at Sandringham at Christmas.
However, social media users came up with a whole host of wild theories about Kate’s absence, with speculation that the princess may have been in a coma, dabbled in cloning, had a ‘Brazilian butt lift’ treatment or had a bad haircut and in hiding until it grows out.
Officials said tonight that the Princess of Wales continues to do ‘well’. Pictured in November
No further details have been given about William’s absence and it is unknown whether it relates to his wife
William at the Baftas in London on February 18 before suddenly withdrawing from the memorial
The Princess of Wales was last seen on Christmas Day last year when she went to church
The sun reported that royal aides said: ‘We were very clear from the start that we would not be providing a running commentary on the health of the Princess of Wales and would only be providing important updates.
“Clearly we have seen the frenzy of social media and that will not change our strategy.
“A lot has appeared on social media, but the princess has the right to privacy and asks the public to respect that.”
An earlier statement from Kensington Palace said: ‘The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.
“She hopes the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normalcy as possible for her children; and her desire for her personal medical information to remain private.
‘Kensington Palace will therefore only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’s progress if there is important new information to share.
Prince William looks at the pint he poured in the pub in Wrexham today
Prince William and Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob McElhenney have a drink at The Turf
“The Princess of Wales would like to apologize to everyone involved for having to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many people as possible as soon as possible.”
The family’s health problems have exposed the reality of a stripped-down monarchy. There has been a sudden shortage of frontline royals since the start of the year after Charles and Kate both went to hospital around the same time in January.
It saw the Prince of Wales take on a greater share of public duties, while supporting Kate and caring for his three children, George, Charlotte and Louis.
Charles was admitted for surgery last month for a benign prostate condition but was subsequently diagnosed with an unrelated cancer.
The monarch has withdrawn from public duties while he undergoes treatment. Kate underwent abdominal surgery at the same time and is currently recovering after a two-week stay in hospital.
The Prince of Wales joined Hollywood star Rob McElhenney for a pint and a whiskey in a Wrexham pub today as his wife Kate recovers from surgery at home – with Kensington Palace insisting she is still ‘doing well ‘.
Prince William traveled to The Turf pub next to Wrexham AFC – the world’s oldest pub in a sports stadium, which featured in the Disney+ ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series – as part of a visit to mark St David’s Day.
Prince William pours a pint with Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob McElhenney at The Turf
He met with staff, charity workers and locals to find out more about the venue – before visiting the pitch at the team’s Racecouse Ground to hear stories about the club’s rise since McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds took over in 2021, and to meet staff and players.
As he poured the pint, William said: ‘Still has a terrible head on it, but there you go. That’s why I don’t work behind the bar.’ He also told McElhenney that he “loves” cider.
Reynolds was in New York today and was unable to attend the editing of the next Deadpool film, but MailOnline understands he hopes to meet William later this year.
McElhenney told William that Reynolds would have wanted to be there today, but the prince: “Since Ryan isn’t here, you can tell him I think Hugh Jackman is funnier.”
The Prince also met with Welsh speakers from Patagonia – and at the stadium was presented with a Wrexham AFC shirt from footballers Ben Tozer and Luke Young.
On the road outside the pub, a three-year-old girl named Florence Boyle handed William a daffodil and blew him a kiss, before the prince thanked her with a high five. They then posed for a photo with her mother Katie, 35, and father David, 37.
William then spent time with pupils from All Saints’ Primary School to see their traditional ways of celebrating the day, which celebrates the patron saint of Wales.
The students gave him Welsh dragon toys for his three children – as well as flowers for Kate. He said to them, “I will pass them on to Catherine as well, thank you very much.”
The children also took part in the traditional Welsh folk dance Dawnsio Gwerin and baked Bara Brith, a Welsh tea bread flavored with dried fruit and spices.