Was that Kate Middleton? Princess of Wales ‘spotted’ amid royal rumours

A question has dominated social media platforms over the last fortnight: Where is Kate? The question about Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, amid rumours of Prince William’s alleged affair and her remaining missing from the public eye since her abdominal surgery.

The hashtag ‘WhereIsKate’ was trending. Also, the online searches for Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, with whom Prince of Wales William, was said to be having an affair, went up.

The Princess of Wales was also caught in a controversy over a digitally altered family portrait released on Mother’s Day.

Amid all these rumours and controversies, the British media reported that Kate showed up at her favourite farm shop in Windsor on Saturday. This, the media said, signalled her gradual return to official engagements after a long period of absence after her abdominal surgery.

The farm shop, situated roughly half a kilometre from her Adelaide Cottage home in Windsor, marked Middleton’s first public outing in a while.

Middleton appeared “happy, relaxed, and healthy”, The Sun reported, quoting onlookers.

Prior to this, Princess Kate and her husband, Prince William, spent time watching their children – George (10), Charlotte (8), and Louis (5) – take part in sports activities.

Kate and Prince William have been subject to intense media scrutiny and wild speculations regarding her well-being and whereabouts.

KATE MIDDLETON’S CONTROVERSY AND ABSENCE

A recent controversy involving Middleton modifying a Mother’s Day photo using Photoshop added to the attention.

After her abdominal surgery, her absence raised questions. Where is Kate?

After Kate’s absence, one more rumour that popped up was the Prince William and Rose Hanbury affair.

Amid the controversy about a digitally altered photograph for which Kate Middleton took responsibility, Prince William, her husband, described her as the “arty one” when he visited the London’s youth centre. The remarks by the Prince of Wales also come amid rumours of his affair.

In their efforts to maintain communication with the public, Kate and William took to social media to wish their followers a happy St Patrick’s Day, sharing a video clip of British soldiers rehearsing for their annual parade.

Kate’s public appearance in Windsor comes after a prolonged absence, which raised concerns among well-wishers.

UK media outlets have hinted at a potential ‘major announcement’ from the Royal family, keeping the public eagerly awaiting news.

Witnesses at the farm shop expressed surprise and relief at seeing Middleton out and about. “After all the rumours that had been going round, I was stunned to see them there. Kate was out shopping with William, and she looked happy, and she looked well,” a person present during Kate’s visit told The Sun.

KATE MIDDLETON’S FUTURE ENGAGEMENT

Middleton’s last public appearance was on Christmas Day, and she has refrained from official duties since undergoing surgery in January.

It’s anticipated that she may resume engagements after April 17, once her children return to school after the Easter break.

While there is speculation about Middleton making a comeback on Easter Sunday, insiders suggest she may discuss her health battle only if she resumes her royal duties.

“She and William are at their most open when out interacting with the public, and I can see a world in which the Princess might discuss her recovery (while) out on engagements,” sources told the Times of London.