The public's obsession with Kate Middleton - From concern to conspiracy theories
The royal family were under fire by speculation for several monthsPrincess Kate Middleton has been in the public eye for more than two decades, but conspiracy theories about the royal erupted last spring.
The senior royal had taken time out to undergo planned abdominal surgery earlier on in the year, however, this isn’t where the public obsession with Kate began.
Kate was first pictured with then-boyfriend Prince William back in 2004, on the ski slopes of the Swiss Alps. They had been dating for a year before their relationship was made public. This was the turning point for royal fans who couldn’t get enough of Kate Middleton, which later fuelled conspiracy theories 20 years later.
Obsession over the future queen
The duo met as students at St Andrews University in Scotland three years prior. Friendship grew as they both began studying art history, although the Prince of Wales later transferred to a geography degree.
The following year they move in together along with other friends and romance blossoms. They had approximately a year of bliss before their relationship was aired to the world – which reportedly angered father King Charles.
Fans pouring over her every move and fashion style isn’t new either, even if it’s now called the ‘Kate effect’. In 2004, she wore a pair of relatively unknown long tassel boots from Penelope Chilvers, a London brand. They went viral, and as Kate enjoys recirculating her wardrobe pieces, have been seen years later. One example of her impact on the world.
Kate and William split for a short spell in 2007 before reconciling, with their reunion confirmed when she attended the Concert for Diana in the summer. But it would be 20 years after sparking feelings for the future king before conspiracy theories about Kate Middleton would erupt.
Last candid photo of Kate Middleton before conspiracy theories took over
The 43-year-old was seen smiling as she walked to church alongside her family on Christmas Day 2023. Although, no one would predict what the next few months would entail.
In mid-January, Kensington Palace announced the royal would be undergoing planned abdominal surgery. Weeks go by as fans’ concerns become an echo chamber on social media, with Kate not receiving relief from any direction, as even TV show hosts take aim.
After two full months of no sightings of the princess, the palace release another statement, reiterating they said there were no plans for Kate to return to work until after Easter.
Conspiracy theories descended into chaos on March 10, 2024, after the palace released a photo of Kate Middleton with her three children for Mother’s Day. It would be a mere few hours later when photo agencies retract the image over concerns it had been manipulated.
The mum-of-three came out the following day to apologise for any “confusion caused” by editing to the image. It wasn’t the first time the couple were accused either.
Body double claims
Days later a video appeared of Kate and William visiting a farm shop near their home in Windsor. In high spirits, the royal was smiling, wearing casual clothing as they walked back to their car carrying shopping.
But conspiracy cries from trolls on social media claimed Kate Middleton was replaced with a body double. This was despite no evidence pointing to this conclusion.
For royal fans around the world, they were happy to see 43-year-old Kate out and about.
Conspiracy theories spread further than Kate Middleton
On March 20, 10 days after apologising for the Photoshopped picture, #whereiskatemiddleton trends on X (Twitter).
But it spilled over to other members of The Firm, as it seemed no royal was safe under the microscope.
Speculation grew to a supposed ‘royal announcement’ looming with social media users discussing a potential royal death or divorce within the family. Despite the cruel posts claiming William and Kate had split, the princess hasn’t let it effect her. She’s been defiantly squashing divorce rumours ever since.
Podcast creators and online influencers helped spread the speculation, with one pair, Popapologists, who went on to allege they had ‘inside information a BBC royal announcement’ was imminent at the time.
Piers Morgan even claimed he had heard ‘things’ from his contacts on his show Uncensored.
Out in the open
March 22 came round, and it was this day the princess announced she had been diagnosed with cancer. Explaining her absence, and an attempt to rid the conspiracy cloud, Kate Middleton revealed she and her husband William had been taking time to decide how to approach the topic with their three young children.
The couple, who married in 2011, share Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte.
In the clip, the Princess of Wales said she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. She received a diagnosis following her abdominal surgery.
By September, she had completed treatment and revealed in January 2025 that she was in remission.
How do you think Kate Middleton handled the conspiracy theories and backlash? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
