Kate Middleton announcement? What do we know about the statement from the British Royal Family?

Reports in the United Kingdom suggest that Kate Middleton is planning to address speculation surrounding her health at an upcoming public engagement.

The Princess of Wales, wife of next-in-line for the throne Prince William, has not made a formal public appearance since December and underwent “planned abdominal surgery” in January. She is now rumoured to be considering making a public statement to ease speculation surrounding her health.

The Royal couple traditionally release a new photograph to mark their children’s birthdays and Prince Louis turns six on April 23, meaning that she would be expected to feature in a public capacity in the coming weeks. With this in mind, friends of the Royals have suggested that Kate will make a public appearance ahead of that date, in order to address concern about her health.

“They appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children and know there is a public appetite to see them on their birthdays,” an aide told The Times.

The Independent quotes a source close to the Royals that said: “They are at their most open when out interacting with members of the public and I can see a world in which the princess might discuss her recovery out on engagements. If she was going to do it, that’s how she would do it.”

Speculation swirls around Royal Family

A public statement would bring a little clarity to the opaque world of the British Royal Family after a period of rumour and revelation. Stability is the name of the game at Buckingham Palace but a series of recent events have threatened to disrupt the regal balance.

In January an official royal announcement confirmed that Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, had undergone a “planned abdominal surgery” and would be spending “ten to fourteen days in hospital” before returning home to continue her recovery. At the time Kensington Palace stated that she was not expected to return to public duties until Easter, Sunday 31 March, but subsequent revelations have cast further doubt on her health.

The Princess of Wales was back at home by late January but was not seen until 4 March, when a paparazzi shot of her in a car with her mother was shared in American gossip site TMZ.

A week later Kate and husband William, the Prince of Wales, shared a Mother’s Day photo which showed Kate with their three children. However evidence of photoshop was quickly identified in the image and a number of news agencies stopped it’s circulation. The Palace was forced to confirm that the photo had been edited. That only served to increase speculation around her health and a date for her return to public duties.

Her illness was swiftly followed by another health concern facing the Royal Family. Last month King Charles confirmed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had begun “regular treatments” as an outpatient.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said that the 75-year-old “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.” He has reportedly been able to continue his constitutional role as head of state, which includes regular private meetings, paperwork, and a weekly audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.