Since announcing his cancer diagnosis in early February, Charles has been out of the public eye. Rumors are now circulating about the health of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, who underwent abdominal surgery in January and has been recovering in private since then. She has not been seen in public since Christmas Day, and her husband, Prince William, recently withdrew from a memorial service, fueling speculation about her condition.
The palace has reiterated that Kate's recovery is ongoing and that she is expected to return to public duties no earlier than Easter, possibly in April. Unlike previous public appearances after giving birth, her current absence is due to the seriousness of her surgery and the need for an extended recovery period.
Despite the rumors and public interest, the palace has maintained a stance of privacy regarding Kate's health. Living on private property within the King's Windsor estate, the royal couple typically leads a private life away from public scrutiny. The advisors and staff surrounding them have been surprised by the extent of rumors and speculation surrounding Kate's absence.
With both Kate and Queen Camilla taking time off from royal duties, other members of the royal family, such as Prince William and Princess Anne, are stepping in to fulfill their responsibilities. The Queen, who has been busy and dealing with her husband's illness, is also taking a break to recuperate.
As a result, the royal family is currently less visible than usual, with key members temporarily stepping back from their public roles. However, plans are in place for other family members to continue representing the monarchy in various engagements and events.