Kate Middleton's absence from royal duties sparked a frenzy of jokes, memes and conspiracy theories on social media, which didn't go away after a photo of her was posted by TMZ.
The Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery in January. She had not been seen since Christmas Day, when the US tabloid's website published paparazzi photos purporting to show her in the passenger seat of a car alongside her mother Carole Middleton.
While the episode may seem harmless enough from a distance, it garners increased respect in a context where some might want to use her image to gain insight into her health, about which she has a right to privacy.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
On the other hand, armchair investigators have examined every detail of this story, apparently convinced that Kensington Palace is trying to hide a deeper truth.
This means that TMZ's footage landed in a feverish atmosphere on social media but, despite the outlet's efforts to present its cover as the innocuous solution to a futile mystery, social media's appetite for conspiracy does not appear to have been satisfied.
Some even suggested it wasn't Kate in the photos, which could cause problems for the palace.
As long as there is a mystery, there will be a demand for more photos, which could motivate more paparazzi photographers to travel to Windsor in hopes of spotting her.
Many articles included the images themselves and News week did not – and does not – publish Kate’s photos.
One post seen more than half a million times said: “They wanted who this woman says she is. Kate Middleton to see lol. That's right baby, change that narrative. “
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my tweets get loads of likes when the UK is awake. It's not just the “Sussex Squad” wondering where the hell Kate Middleton is.
– Henry VIII (@SussexHenryVIII) March 2, 2024
Another, viewed 3.4 million times, showed a photo of Michael Jackson and said: “The UK said 'Kate Middleton seen for the first time'.”
Meanwhile, Kate's uncle Gary Goldsmith told the Daily Mirror conspiracy theories were off the table during an interview before entering the Celebrity Big Brother home in Britain.
“I think they should leave her alone now because there's a reason why they (the family) aren't talking about it and they're giving her some space,” he said.
“I just think it's fundamentally wrong and if it happened to anyone else they would think about giving them some space. But because Kate is Kate, she does such amazing work, there's still interested in her.
“She's the number one royal for a reason and I'm just begging people to give her some space. I think they're changing the dynamic and making it family-centric.
“They have a duty and it's a privilege to have the roles they have, but it's family first. You have to take care of yourself.
“You put on your own oxygen mask before you take care of the others. Kate, heal yourself, I love you and when you're ready we'll see you again. That's what we do to anyone other, why not her?”
Jack Royston is News weekthe head of the royal companyrespondent based in London. You can find it on X, formerly Twitterhas @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We would like to hear from you.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.