This story has been gaining a ton of traction online… To begin we need to go back to Christmas Day. That was Kate’s last official public appearance.
In January, Kensington Palace announced that she would be taking a hiatus while undergoing and recovering from "planned abdominal surgery". The statement said she would be back in action for Easter on March 31st.
Over the past several weeks, royal watchers have started to wonder if there is something else going on. In their estimation, yes she is recovering and not doing anything official, but they're asking why we haven't seen her at all.
Apparently, the royal PR team got wind of the "Where is Kate" hashtag and tried to dispel online rumors and conspiracies and instead are giving a master class in what not to do. Here are some social media posts of recent photos…
Last Monday, the Princess of Wales was seen in a paparazzi photo riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle with her mom near Windsor Castle in the UK. Some took that as proof of life and others claimed it was her sister Pippa or a body double.
But that was just the beginning. On Mother's Day in the UK, the royals released an official photo of Catherine with her kids implying that it was a recent photo taken by Prince William.
Eagle-eyed social media users pointed out several aspects of the photo that appeared to be digitally altered. This led to media wire agencies like the Associated Press pulling the photo from circulation.
The royals’ social media page later released a statement from Kate where she admitted to editing the photo and apologized “for any confusion” the photograph caused. Hours later, a paparazzi photo captured her in a car leaving Windsor Castle alongside Prince William.
You can't see her face and some believe that photo is also digitally altered. The "Katespiracy" or "WaterKate" has inspired countless chatter on social media.
I hope to see Kate happy and healthy on Easter Sunday!