Palace issues statement on Kate after William's sudden exit from event for 'personal matter'

Kensington Palace has been forced to issue a statement on Kate Middleton after Prince William's sudden exit from an event due to a "personal matter".

The Palace has confirmed the Princess of Wales is "doing well", despite William unexpectedly leaving a tribute to his godfather, Greece's late King Constantine, at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

Queen Camilla was left to lead the royals at the event, with many speculating William's "personal matter" had to do with his wife, who had abdominal surgery last month and will be unable to return to public-facing duties until after Easter.

Kate has not made a public appearance since her hospital stay.

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"The Princess of Wales continues to be doing well," the very short statement from the Palace read.

King Charles was also forced to miss the event after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this month.

Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Sarah, Duchess of York, Princess Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Zara and Mike Tindall joined Camilla at the service.

Following her surgery, Kate has been recovering at Adelaide Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle. She also recently joined her family at Anmer Hall in Norfolk for school holidays.

A source recently told the Daily Mail, "Catherine is recovering well. She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William."

Royal fans speculate on Kate's whereabouts

Kate's last public appearance was Christmas Day last year, with royal fans speculating on why this could be.

"You’re telling me that Kate Middleton — the same woman who posed outside the hospital like a freaking supermodel mere hours after giving birth — suddenly requires months of recovery before showing her face?" one user wrote on X. "And the British press now magically respects privacy? This feels… sinister."

Others weren't so into the conspiracies, with one user writing, "I hope Kate Middleton is curled up in a comfy sofa in her PJs somewhere absolutely laughing her head off regarding all the wild and wacky conspiracy theories about her…

"I swear some people just create drama to detract from their own mundane lives."

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