Where's Kate Middleton? The internet wants to know, but some argue it's off base to speculate

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has become the latest subject of online conspiracy theories as people on social media continue to speculate over why they think she’s been away from the public eye.

Kensington Palace has said Kate is recovering from a planned abdominal surgery. It said Jan. 17 that the 42-year-old would be taking a step back from public duties until after Easter following the procedure.

But after Prince William, heir to the British throne, pulled out of a memorial service for his godfather because of a “personal matter” this week, Kate’s name began trending on X, where a flurry of memes, jokes and baseless theories populated the platform. Hundreds of people have also commented on a Reddit thread titled: What is going on with Kate Middleton?

Elizabeth Holmes, a royal expert and author, said the “absurdity” of the social media theorizing was heightened by William’s absence at the event.

“There are certainly people who are genuinely worried about Kate, but the social media storm was unfair,” said Holmes, who wrote “HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style.” “This woman just had major surgery and is recovering within the 10-week recovery timeline the palace originally provided.”

The palace Tuesday said that the Princess of Wales continues to do well but declined to elaborate. That appeared to only fuel more speculation Wednesday.

Many began circulating images of when Kate reportedly was last photographed by British tabloids on Christmas Day.

There were also those who quickly began posting memes.

Some joked Kate could be recovering from a cosmetic procedure known as a BBL, where fat is transferred from the stomach and thighs to the buttocks.

Other people suggested that Kate may secretly be performing on