Princess Kate’s absence sparks conspiracy theories over her condition

Speculation about the condition of Princess Kate has grown after Prince William pulled out of a planned royal engagement earlier on in the week. Kensington Palace confirmed Kate underwent abdominal surgery, but have given little other detail on the condition that she had been treated for. St David's Day and they had the Prince of Wales, but no Princess. In a week when the questions about Kate and her health have got out of control. It was this memorial service at Windsor on Tuesday and William's decision not to go for personal reasons that set it all off, even with the palace insisting that Kate is still recovering well. I've been told this week that it is simply too early to say exactly when we're going to see the Princess again and also that we shouldn't read too much into that, just that they are sticking to their line that she had the abdominal surgery and she's unlikely to be back to engagements until after Easter. But we've also seen the risk in that strategy. Without sharing more information, we simply see more rumour and speculation. All kinds of conspiracy theories have been trending on social media, making it headline news all around the world. It's not been helped by the King's decision to be more open about his cancer, showing us his Get Well Soon cards and allowing cameras rare access to his meeting with the Prime Minister. But former Communications Secretary Elsa Anderson says you can't compare the King and Kate. He is the head of state. He's also the head of state to various realms and Commonwealth countries, so he is in a different position to the Princess of Wales. We're not getting that same level of, frankly, vile speculation on social media and in the press that the Princess of Wales is getting. And I think people should literally give her a break. A couple of years ago, we were briefed that William wouldn't be sticking to the royal line of never complain, never explain, instead wanting to be more open. But there is a red line when it comes to his family. His anger was clear when photographers outside the hospital where she was treated were warned it was best that they leave. This was the last time we saw the Princess. Other big family events coming up, like the church service on Easter Sunday, is only going to ramp up anticipation about when we're going to see her. But William isn't going to change his position on their privacy, no matter how noisy the speculation may become.