WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON!

THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES HAVE BEEN SLAMMED OVER A PHOTOSHOP SCANDAL. HERE, WE ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS...

What's the issue with the photo?

On Mother's Day in the UK, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a 'new' photo of Kate and their children. However, not long after, several photo agencies issued a 'kill order' relating to its use. They cited concerns the snap, taken by Prince William, had been manipulated, and experts noted up to 16 supposed inconsistencies. Amid intense backlash, Kate issued a solo apology for 'editing' the image.

What's wrong with Kate?

Kate was last seen in public on Christmas Day, 2023. On January 16, she was admitted to hospital for "planned abdominal surgery", and a spokesperson said at the time her condition was "non-cancerous".

Since her 14-day hospitalisation at The London Clinic, online speculation has been rife that Kate, 42, underwent a hysterectomy or perhaps, as some have alleged, had a bowel procedure relating to Crohn's disease that requires an extended convalescence. However, Kate's total disappearance from public view has still fuelled an explosion in wild yet meritless conspiracy theories.

When is she coming back?

From the outset, Kensington Palace insisted that Kate "is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter". Despite that transparency, royal watchers grew concerned over her absence.

Speculation reached fever pitch when William, 41, pulled out of doing a reading at a memorial service for his godfather, King Constantine, on February 27 with just an hour to spare due to a "personal matter".

More questions were asked about the true state of Kate's health when, on March 4, the British Army removed a claim on its website that the princess would attend the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 15. As yet, there is still no confirmation when Kate will return to work.

What are the wild theories?