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Royal experts have warned that the palace needs to be more transparent with the public, following Prince William’s last-minute no-show at a major royal event this week.
Speculation reached fever pitch when the heir to the throne made a last-minute announcement on Tuesday that he would not be attending the memorial service of his godfather, King Constantine of Greece, due to “personal reasons”.
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His father, King Charles, did not attend the event either, leaving Queen Camilla to step in to lead a rather thin flotilla of senior royals that included Princess Anne and Prince Andrew – who was allowed to attend as it was a private family affair – and his ex-wife, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson.
Theories abounded on social media, with many wondering what was going on behind the scenes.
Had something happened to William's wife, Kate, Princess of Wales, who was recovering from abdominal surgery? Was his cancer-stricken father, King Charles, okay?
Perhaps sensing the growing concern, a palace spokesperson addressed the public, saying, "We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant."
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The palace said earlier that the princess was “doing well” as she continues with her recovery.
Royal commentators have warned that the palace needs to be more open about these situations if they want to avoid wild speculation.
Citing "personal reasons" is far too vague, they say in this era of transparency.
“I’m afraid that if no reason is given for Prince William pulling out at the last minute, there will inevitably be speculation, some of it wild and unfair, but that is the nature of social media these days,” said royal biographer Phil Dampier.
“There were lurid reports in a Greek publication the other day about Kate's health, for which there is no evidence, but these rumours get circulated around the world quickly.”
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams called the palace's silence a “gift to conspiracy theorists”.
“The royal family obviously have a right to privacy, how far that right is exercised is what has always been debated.
“The absence of clarification when the unexpected occurs is a gift to conspiracy theorists. And clearly, this is a time where the royal family – only four of whose working members are under 70 – is under enormous pressure.”
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Neither Charles or Kate has divulged the specific nature of their illnesses.
Charles, who who supports many cancer organisations, has said he has cancer, but he's not said what kind.
Kate only divulged that she had abdominal surgery, and wanted to keep things private for the sake of her and William’s three children – Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (8) and Prince Louis (5).
A statement from Kensington Palace pic.twitter.com/6h3BCrqj5L
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 17, 2024
A Kensington Palace statement at the time read, stated that “she hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share."
William is also said to be highly protective of his wife and their privacy.
However, critics warn she will be scrutinised for any signs of distress, by all and sundry on her return to public duty.
Sources: dailymail.co.uk, independent.co.uk
