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It’s sort of going unnoticed because all of the royal stories are so bonkers lately, but People Magazine’s cover story this week is a pretty big swing. This is People Mag, the Windsors’ favorite American media outlet, the outlet specifically designed to parrot the palace’s talking points, actually criticizing the royal clownshow. People Mag got royal experts and royal skeptics on the record about how King Charles and the Princess of Wales have a duty to disclose much more about their dual illnesses. They also got William’s spokesperson on the record, arrogantly declaring that William’s “focus is on his work, not on social media.” All evidence to the contrary. Even the haphazard photo-op with Kate and Carole in an Audi on Monday didn’t sway People Magazine from running really pointed criticism of the chaotic messaging, the misinformation, the arrogance permeating through royal communications these days. Speaking of, People dropped another piece, specifically about Kate:
When Prince William abruptly pulled out of a planned outing to his godfather King Constantine of Greece’s memorial service on Feb. 27, concerns surrounding Kate Middleton’s health following abdominal surgery reached a fever pitch.
Despite the palace’s brief comment stating that the Princess of Wales, 42, “continues to be doing well” in her recovery, and her recent sighting during a car ride with her mother, Carole Middleton, this week, one palace insider describes the overall lack of information as complete “radio silence” regarding her condition.
Kensington Palace revealed on Jan. 17 that Princess Kate underwent a “planned” abdominal procedure the previous day without giving further information on the cause, noting the royal’s “wish that her personal medical information remains private.” They did note that the issue was non-cancerous and that Kate wasn’t expected to return to public royal duties until after Easter.
However, the lack of clarity about what led to the Princess of Wales’ abdominal surgery left a vacuum that has been filled with numerous conspiracy theories regarding her health and whereabouts. In response to this speculation, a spokesman reiterated on Feb. 29 that Kate would not be resuming public engagements until after Easter.
Still, Princess Kate’s presence is sorely missed, and Prince William has regularly received well wishes for his wife during his recent royal engagements.
“She is their MVP, without any doubt,” royal historian Amanda Foreman tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s cover story. “She is in so many ways the most like the late Queen.”
Adds royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, “She’s so central to the monarchy and the future.”
Princess Kate’s absence is exacerbated by King Charles also being largely out of the public eye as he receives cancer treatment. Similar to his daughter-in-law’s health, there have been few updates about the King’s condition.
“Everybody feels unsettled by uncertainty, and there is too much uncertainty that is surrounding the monarchy right now,” Bedell Smith tells PEOPLE.
“Queen Elizabeth used to say, ‘I need to be seen to be believed.’ It is important for Charles and his reign for the public to know a little bit more,” she adds.
“Radio silence” is correct – Kensington Palace’s incompetent communications have made the situation so much worse. I don’t feel bad about all of the (crazy) conspiracies which have popped up in the past two months because they are the result of the amateurish, inept and downright clumsy Kensington Palace operation. None of this has inspired any confidence in William and Kate’s leadership in a crisis or any other time – they can’t problem-solve their way out of a wet paper bag. And even now, after global criticism for their two months of bungling, you know William refuses to change tack. It’s like the Caribbean Flop Tour all over again, only this time Kate was missing for 70 days and William is visibly drunk during daytime events.
Also: William’s not going to like that all of these people are talking about how Kate is the monarchy’s greatest asset.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images. Cover courtesy of People.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Prince William, Prince of Wales departs from the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 06, 2023 in London, England. The Coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the other Commonwealth realms takes place at Westminster Abbey today. Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II.,Image: 774214323, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: -, Model Release: no, Credit line: Richard Heathcote / Avalon
The Princess of Wales at The Coronation of King Charles III at London”s Westminster Abbey 06 May 2023,Image: 774252025, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: -, Model Release: no, Credit line: Mark Stewart / Avalon
The Princess of Wales at The Coronation of King Charles III at London”s Westminster Abbey 06 May 2023,Image: 774252171, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: -, Model Release: no, Credit line: Mark Stewart / Avalon
Catherine, Princess of Wales smiles and waves as she holds a bouquet of flowers during her visit to Vsi Razom Community Hub, in the Lexicon Shopping Centre, on October 04, 2023 in Bracknell, England. The Princess was there to hear about the work the organisation has been doing to support those who have arrived in the local area from Ukraine as a result of the ongoing conflict. 
NO UK USE FOR 48 HOURS,Image: 810859575, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR 48 HOURS- Fee Payable Upon reproduction – For queries contact Avalon sales@Avalon.red London +44 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles +1 310 822 0419 Berlin +49 30 76 212 251 Madrid +34 91 533 42 89, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Avalon.red / Avalon
Britain’s Kate, The Princess of Wales tries her hand at wheelchair rugby as she joins a training session facilitated by members of the world-cup winning England Wheelchair Rugby League squad, at Allam Sport Centre in Hull, England, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Rugby Football League, is visiting Hull to take part in a Rugby League Inclusivity Day hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC and the University of Hull.,Image: 811160428, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WPA SOLO POOL AFP GETTY PA IN and CPNA and IPA, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Scott Heppell / Avalon
Britain’s Prince William, and Kate, the Princess of Wales, speak to young people as they participate in a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action at Factory Works in Birmingham, England, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. The Prince and Princess host the forum for young people on World Mental Health Day.,Image: 812603143, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kirsty Wigglesworth / Avalon
Britain’s Kate, the Princess of Wales, speaks to young people as she participates in a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action at Factory Works in Birmingham, England, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. The Prince and Princess host the forum for young people on World Mental Health Day.,Image: 812603743, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kirsty Wigglesworth / Avalon
The British Royal family make an appearence on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Coronation
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 06 May 2023
Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images
**NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
Prince William of Wales and Catherine Princess of Wales during appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the flypast after the procession and the coronation of the new King and Queen at Westminster Abbey in London, UK.
Featuring: William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 06 May 2023
Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images
**NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
