LONDON (Reuters) – Prince William was seen back at work on Tuesday, following the first footage of his wife Kate since her surgery two months ago. The video showed the Princess of Wales looking fit and healthy, dispelling speculation and rumors that had been circulating on social media during her absence from royal duties. Kate, 42, underwent abdominal surgery in January for a non-cancerous condition.
The video, published by the Sun newspaper on Monday, captured Kate smiling and walking with Prince William at a farm shop in Windsor near their home. This marked the first visual of Kate since Christmas Day, and while Kensington Palace has not denied the authenticity of the video, they have chosen not to comment on the matter, regarding it as private.
“If that video of Catherine walking with a shopping bag doesn’t put an end to the speculation, then I’m not sure what will,” said royal author Katie Nicholl. The Palace has maintained that Kate is recovering well and will not return to official duties until after Easter, which falls on March 31.
Kate’s editing of a photo taken by William for Mother’s Day earlier this month further fueled online rumors and speculation. Nicholl emphasized the importance of rejecting false narratives and irresponsible conjecture on social media.
On Tuesday, William visited Sheffield to unveil new investment in his homelessness project, choosing not to address the ongoing speculation about his wife. The King, Charles, is also undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer, causing him to postpone public engagements as well.
Amidst the rampant gossip, the British embassies in Ukraine and Moscow issued statements to clarify that reports of the King’s death on social media were fabricated. Charles, who continues to fulfill official duties while receiving treatment, was seen meeting Korean War veterans at Buckingham Palace.
Outside the palace, onlookers expressed their support for Kate and Charles to recover in peace and privacy. Judy Bradley, 61, commented, “I think that people should just leave them to get on with their lives. It’s nice to see her, I’m glad she’s in good health, hopefully everything is well, but I think, just leave them alone.”
(Additional reporting by Sarah Mills and Hannah Ellison; Editing by Lucy Marks)
