Expert Says the Royal Family Can Prevent More ‘Crazy Conspiracy Theories and Speculation’ About Kate Middleton Without Sharing Many Details—Here’s How
Kate Middleton conspiracy theories and wild speculation can stay a thing of the past if, according to an expert, the British royal family shares even small pieces of information publicly. In short, a “small update” would go a long way. Not to mention “lessons should have been learned.”
‘Short and sweet’ health updates will help the royal family dispel any rumors as Kate’s recovery continues
According to Nick Ede, a U.K.-based brand and culture expert, any rumors that pop up about Kate’s health can be dismissed with “short and sweet” updates on her health from Kensington Palace, her and Prince William’s office.
“The return of rumors about Kate creates a huge dilemma for the royal family and their comms [communications] team,” he told Newsweek.
“On the one hand, they have a duty to inform the public and quash rumors that could be damaging and create negative noise. They could make another announcement, but I don’t think it’ll stop speculation.”
“On the other hand, they remain quiet and dignified and take the Queen’s [Elizabeth II] stance, ‘never complain, never explain,’” Ede said. (Even Prince Harry’s spoken out about the longtime royal motto.) “It’s pretty obvious that things are not good, and when it’s someone’s health, it’s private and personal.”
Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in a rare video statement on March 22, 2024, after undergoing abdominal surgery two months earlier and having not made an official appearance since Christmas Day.
“My advice would be for the palace, however, to give updates that are short and sweet, informing the media and everyone else that the timeline may change and offering a small update.”
“This way,” he explained, “it stops crazy conspiracy theories and speculation in its track but doesn’t expose the royal family and the princess at this time.”
Speculation on Kate’s health may not get ‘out of control’ again because ‘lessons should have been learned’
Discussing the potential for speculation and conspiracy theories to once again reach a fever pitch, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told UsWeekly things, in his opinion, probably won’t get “out of control” again. He explained that “lessons should have been learned from what happened earlier.”
“I mean, if you’re not told at all, and months passed, clearly there’s speculation. And that could happen again,” he said, noting it’d be “appropriate” for the occasional comment from Kensington Palace. “So, I’m sure that it will be handled in a different way.”
“I think the palaces recognize that it is essential from time to time to update the press—and through them the public, of course — [on] important issues,” Fitzwilliams said.
“With King Charles, it’s very good to see what’s happening now,” he said. “And I think everyone’s very pleased in that. I would hope by the fall or by the end of the year matters will have resolved themselves. But you just don’t know.”
Buckingham Palace announced the king’s cancer diagnosis in early February 2024. After approximately 11 weeks away, King Charles returned to making appearances in late April 2024.
“I think that people understand the very difficult situation that she’s in,” Fitzwilliams said of Kate. He also noted the public’s giving her the “time and space” she asked for. “People genuinely feel for her and Prince William and their family in this extremely difficult time.”
Kate Middleton’s reportedly ‘turned a corner’ with her cancer treatment
So, how is Kate doing? While the princess herself hasn’t addressed her health publicly since the video, there have been reports the 42-year-old’s doing better.
Per Vanity Fair, the Princess of Wales has “turned a corner” with her treatment. “It has been a great relief that she is tolerating the medication and is actually doing a lot better,” a family friend said.
“It has, of course, been a very challenging and worrying time,” they added. “Everyone has rallied around her—William, her parents, and her sister and brother.”
Meanwhile, a well-placed source claimed Kate’s main focus right now is recovering. “There is no timeline, and there is certainly no hurry,” the insider said. “It will be when Catherine feels ready and when she gets the green light from her medical team. But she will 100% be coming back to work, of that there is no question.”
As for when Kate may return to royal duties, Kensington Palace hasn’t announced a date for her return. Reports on the timeline are mixed, with some saying she may not return until 2025 and others saying early fall.
