Inside Kensington Palace’s plan for Kate Middleton’s return to public life after mysterious surgery
Kensington Palace has a top-secret plan in the works to ensure Kate Middleton makes a smooth return to public life following her mysterious abdominal surgery, according to a new report.
Several publicity bigwigs have been tapped to consult on the transition after the Princess of Wales’ months-long absence from the spotlight sparked global fury, the Mirror reported Monday.
“The teams are working round the clock to devise the Princess of Wales’ back-to-work plan after weeks of immense pressure,” a source told the British tabloid. “They all know that the world will be watching after weeks of heightened speculation and often outlandish commentary on social media.”
Two former aides known for being “well-established public relations experts” reportedly were consulted by the team tasked with creating Middleton’s schedule.
Her new private secretary, Lt. Col. Tom White, is also among those involved in the project, along with Prince William’s new private secretary, former diplomat Ian Patrick.
“There are ongoing conversations that involve the senior team at Kensington Palace and the communications team. Naturally, conversations are had with former staffers as part of our continued operations,” an insider explained.
Kensington Palace has descended into chaos in recent weeks after a doctored family photo led to wild conspiracy theories about Middleton’s health and whereabouts.
She made her last official appearance on Christmas Day with her family before going under the knife for a “planned” procedure in January.
The palace said in a statement that the princess, 42, would not return to her royal duties until after Easter, which falls on March 31 this year.
“The team has been very consistent in any updates. When there is something more to say or announce, we will do so,” another palace source added.
Insiders also told the outlet that Middleton may not make any public appearances until after April 17 when her children go back to Lambrook School.
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When she eventually resumes her duties, she may decide to “discuss her condition and recovery” in an interview or podcast, the report said.
It comes less than two weeks after Middleton posted an “altered” photo of herself with her three kids in honor of UK Mother’s Day.
Multiple agencies, including Getty Images and the Associated Press, issued a rare “kill notice” over the edited image, which led Middleton to put out an apology admitting to the Photoshop fail.
She was most recently spotted visiting a farm shop with her husband over the weekend.
A video of the outing showed the couple smiling and laughing while picking up groceries; however, some people remained skeptical about whether it was really her.
