Catherine Middleton, Princess of Wales, announced her cancer diagnosis last week. After undergoing abdominal surgery, Kate explained in a publicized video that doctors discovered cancer and advised her to undergo chemotherapy. This announcement comes after the world-wide frenzy over her lack of public appearances.
The princess’ disappearance from the public eye has become a world-wide obsession and concern. Questions, and demands to hear from Kate, escalated after multiple global agencies ordered a “kill notice” of a poorly photoshopped photo of her and her kids for the U.K. Mother’s Day. Kate Middleton made a public statement saying she was the one that poorly edited the photo, and apologized for any confusion. The palace did not issue a statement.
Additionally, people went crazy over another photo released during Kate’s absence, of Kate and William in the back seat of the car. Many people said the bricks of the building behind the car were different colors in the window by Kate vs. the outside. Goff Photos, the agency that distributed the photo, released a statement saying the “image has been cropped and lightened, nothing has been doctored. ” The palace maintained their silence.
On March 16th, Kate made her first public appearance since her surgery with her husband, Prince Willian, and their three children. In the morning, Kate and William watched their children playing sports. In the afternoon, Kate and William visited Windsor Farm Shop, which was Kate’s first visit to a public place since her abdominal surgery on January 16th. She was described by onlookers as looking “happy, relaxed and healthy”.
Many found it distressing and shocking the palace did not remark on Kate’s absence, or the limited updates on her wellbeing. The strength of the royal family has also been called into question. Queen Elizabeth II’s last public appearance was September 6th, two days before her death. This appearance was not just to appoint the new prime minister, Liz Truss. It was to make a statement. Kensington was well aware of the Queen’s health, but to maintain the image that the royal family, and the Queen, are a formidable force, she had to continue her public duties. With the recent news of King Charles’ and Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnoses, the palace’s integrity and strength are being judged poorly by the people’s court.
Sophomore Catherine Welch is an investigative reporter. Her email is cwelch@fandm.edu.