Why are Easter Sunday, April 17 and 23 key dates in Kate Middleton’s possible return?

We’ve had supposed body doubles, confirmed photoshop, half-masts - is she allowed to walk in front of William? - blurry videos, fuzzy lines, fuzzier jumper sleeves and now doppelgängers, but are we saving the best for last?

Could Kate Middleton actually make a grand return from her internet-shaking absence... on Easter Sunday?

Were this theory to come as a punchline from a comedian, it would be met with a snort and a small throw of the head, not a laugh that suggests hilarity but ‘we could all see that ‘second coming’ line from a mile away’.

But, as they say, fact is often stranger than fiction, and we’ve certainly toed that line until now.

What do the Royal family do on Easter Sunday?

There are a multitude of ways to celebrate Easter: some people eat chocolate eggs, some people meet up and celebrate as a family, or, if you’re like me, watch Dr. No for the fourteenth time.

The Royal Family’s traditional plan on Easter Sunday is a walk through the grounds of Windsor Castle to the Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Were the Princess of Wales to attend, it would mark the first time she has officially been seen in public since Christmas Day.

The Telegraph report that Kate was set to “recuperate in private, at home, until after Easter” and that “she is not expected to return to public engagements until the week beginning April 15 at the earliest, as the family takes a three-week break for the Easter holidays from March 22″.

However, a palace source said to the newspaper that there had been “no confirmation either way”, only adding fuel to the fire of whether or not she is well enough after her a rocky few weeks following abdominal surgery.

Could Kate Middleton be back on April 17 or April 23?

April 17 is one date that has been mentioned as a potential return: that is when the school holidays end for Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. They will all head back to school then, although no official plans have been confirmed either, meaning we’re still in the dark as to whether we’ll see Kate then.

Five days later, on April 23, Kate and William will celebrate the 6th birthday of their youngest son. Despite the recent furore, reports say that they are still expected to uphold the annual tradition of releasing a new photograph marking their children’s birthdays. Stay tuned for that.

“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. They obviously forgot to mention the people on the internet.