Media coverage has given undue weight to unsubstantiated claims and speculative interpretations of events
LONDON: The British royals have over the years had their fair share of scandals, be it Princess Diana’s relationship with then-Prince Charles, Prince Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein or Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s split from the British royal family.
Speculation regarding the whereabouts and wellbeing of Kate Middleton is rife, with the Princess of Wales dominating the news not just in the UK but across international publications around the world. The latest controversy stems from Kate’s recent absences from making public appearances. Her last public appearance was in December 2023.
Even though Kensington Palace, the office of Kate and Williams, had said the absence was due to a “planned abdominal surgery,” people have had a hard time taking the statement at face value. Last year’s reports of Prince William allegedly having an affair with Lady Sarah Rose Hanbury also played a large role in the public’s scepticism. This speculation intensified following a Mother’s Day photo-editing controversy and a consequent public appearance at a farm-shop where she reportedly looked unhappy.
The media has also fanned the flames of rumours, relentlessly focusing on the topic, giving undue weight to unsubstantiated claims and speculative interpretations of events. The weight of the bag in her left hand caused her to walk slightly differently as she tilted her body to maintain balance Despite numerous statements and clarifications presented to the public in this regard, conspiracy theorists have had a field day.
