Where Is the Princess? The Internet's Conspiracy Theories on Why Kate Went "Missing"

In the grand tapestry of internet mysteries, few threads have been pulled as eagerly as those surrounding the whereabouts and well-being of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. It's a saga that has captivated the online realm, weaving together a rich narrative of curiosity, concern, and, yes, conspiracy theories.

With the Princess stepping back from the public eye following her abdominal surgery in January 2024, the web transformed into a bustling marketplace of theories. Was she secretly auditioning for The Masked Singer? Or is she letting her hair grow out after a haircut went wrong?

Here's the internet's take on the "missing" member of the British royal family.

If you've ever spent time on X (formerly Twitter) or TikTok, you likely know that internet folklore can be wild. The public eye has spun a colorful array of conspiracy theories about where Kate Middleton is, many of which are as hilarious as they are imaginative. After all, it had been more than two months before the Princess of Wales made a public appearance in March. So, where exactly is she?

According to NBC News, Kate Middleton has been resting after undergoing abdominal surgery and is expected to make her next public appearance around Easter time, though she resurfaced earlier than expected. Kensington Palace later shared an update via Instagram on Jan. 29, revealing that Kate had returned home. Yet, many people online have reservations regarding these updates.

The speculation reached a fever pitch when a Spanish journalist, Concha Calleja, claimed on her TV show to have insider information suggesting that the Princess's condition was far more severe than publicly acknowledged, according to Live Mint.

Per Concha, Kate was supposedly in grave danger, necessitating her to be placed in a medically-induced coma due to complications arising post-surgery.

But, not all of the conspiracies are as alarming. A large group of people online believe Kate got a BBL. One of the funnier conspiracy theories about Kate on X is that she "got bangs and is waiting for them to grow out."

However, not everyone has a lighthearted outlook on her not being in the public eye. One fan pointed out online that Kate was able to pose outside of the hospital just a few short hours after giving birth, but believes that the British press asking for privacy for the Princess feels like something is off.

Kate Middleton's last public appearance was on March 4, 2024, riding as passenger in a vehicle being driven by her mother, Carole. TMZ shared photos of the Princess of Wales in the car, though some still aren't convinced it was actually Kate. It had been more than two months since Kate had been seen in public.

On Dec. 25, 2023, Kate participated in the royal family's traditional walk to the Christmas Day Services at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. This event is a long-standing holiday tradition for the royal family.

During this appearance, Kate, known for her impeccable style, likely participated in the walk alongside other members of the royal family, engaging in the customary greeting of well-wishers who gather outside the church.

Due to the speculation surrounding Kate's status, Kensington Palace released a statement in February 2024, in an attempt to dispel the conspiracy theories.

"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," a spokesperson for the Duchess said, per People. They went on to reiterate that Kate is "doing well."

On March 10, 2024, Kate took to Instagram to share a heartwarming Mother's Day photo featuring herself alongside her three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. True to its nature, the internet immediately detected a discrepancy in the photo, particularly with Kate's right hand. Sources such as Reuters and the Associated Press opted to pull the photos, citing that they had been "manipulated."

The following day, Kate shared a post on X to clear the air, essentially admitting that she had edited the photo. Kate wrote, "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day."

Will this be enough to put the rumors and conspiracy theories to rest? Only time will tell.