Kate Middleton's uncle says 'there's a reason' for her absence: 'Leave her alone'

Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith has slammed conspiracy theories and claimed 'there's a reason' for her recent absence from public life after getting abdominal surgery in January.

Gary entered the Celebrity Big Brother house as a contestant this week, and before going in he spoke about his niece, who he thinks does "such an amazing job".

"I think they should leave her alone right now because there's a reason why they're [family] not talking about it and they are giving her a little bit of space," he told The Mirror of the conspiracy theorists. "I just think it's fundamentally wrong and if it was happening to anybody else they would think to give them some space. But because Kate's Kate, she does such an amazing job, there’s always interest in her.

RELATED:

• Kate Middleton seen for the first time since Christmas amid wild rumours

• Buckingham Palace hits out 'madness' surrounding wild Kate rumours

• Where is Kate Middleton? The wildest theories about the Princess of Wales' whereabouts

"She's the number one royal for a reason and I just beg people to give her some space. I do think that they're changing the dynamic and they are family centric. They've got duty and it's a privilege to have the roles that they do have, but it's family first.

"You've got to look after yourself. You put your own oxygen mask on before you look after others. Kate, get well, love you and when you're ready we'll see you again. That's what we do to anyone else, why not her?"

The Princess of Wales went in for surgery in mid-January and didn't leave the hospital until almost two weeks later, on January 29. She had not been seen in public since Christmas but was photographed this week on the school run with her mother in the car.

When she went in for the surgery, the Palace stated that she could not return to her duties until after Easter.

Given her extended time away from the public eye, social media was ablaze with wacky theories as to why she might remain out of sight, including getting a Brazilian butt lift, growing out a bad haircut and working at the chaotic Willy's Chocolate Experience in Glasgow, Scotland.

While the Palace has insisted the surgery was "planned", People reported that it "came as a surprise" to those close to Kate.

Royal author Rachel Hawkins took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the matter, saying that while she does "not want to speculate about a woman’s health online", she has "spent years eyeball deep in Weird Royal Research for the Royals books, and everything that is happening with Kate M is indeed very, very weird. Unprecedented, even.

SHOP:

• Embarrassing hot weather problem solved with this new product: 'Love it'

• Doctor's warning against influencer skincare: 'Watch out for miracle cures'

• The Aussie fashion brand loved by Julia Morris that encourages women to embrace their edgy side

"We’re at 2 months since anyone has seen her. We’re not even getting milquetoast, ‘I appreciate the well wishes,’ statements from her (note that we HAVE gotten solo statements from William under his personal standard. Anything about her has been under the joint PoW banner.)."

It comes as King Charles was diagnosed with cancer around the same time, however His Majesty has issued several messages to the public, thanking them for the support following the news.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.