The Duchess of Cambridge, now Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been noticeably absent from the public eye lately. Whispers of a “disappearance” have swirled around the internet, fueled by a media frenzy and our fascination with the royals. But let’s take a step back.
With speculation around her ominous ‘abdominal surgery’, it is easy for the media and celebrity gossip pages to begin to craft a story which, likely isn’t true. It was announced in January that she would be undergoing the surgery and will be returning to her duties with the public following Easter. Then, disaster struck. A seemingly idyllic picture of Kate was released with the royal children, only to be grilled by social media users who had identified several Photoshop mistakes. Mistakes that were worthy of major headline news, and further fueled the fire of Kate’s mysterious disappearance.
Has Kate Middleton Gone Missing or Is She Just Being a Mum?
The truth is, Kate recently underwent surgery and is focusing on her family – a perfectly normal occurrence for any mum. Sure, she’s a Princess, but let’s not forget that she’s also a wife and a mother of three. Those responsibilities don’t disappear with a crown, and we are certain that deep down she may wish for the life of a non-royal family on occasion.
Think about it. When was the last time you saw a glossy magazine cover story titled “Busy Mom Takes Time Off for Recovery?” Probably never, right? Mums, especially those juggling multiple little ones, are expected to be wonder women – bouncing back from anything life throws their way.
The Pressure of Perfection: Royals vs. Reality
The recent, heavily edited photo released by Kensington Palace only fueled the speculation from the crowds of critics. Instead of portraying the relatable reality of parenthood, it presented an airbrushed fantasy. This disconnect highlights the pressure royals face to maintain an image of flawlessness. From assumptions that she opted for plastic surgery in Manchester that went wrong, to rumors that there is trouble in paradise for her marriage, the fabricated stories are simply growing by the masses.
But here’s the thing: Mums aren’t flawless. We get sick, we get tired, and sometimes, we need a break. And guess what? So do Princesses.
Celebrating the Ordinary in the Extraordinary
Kate Middleton, or Catherine, Princess of Wales – whichever title you prefer – is a reminder that even amidst the extraordinary, the ordinary exists. She’s a woman navigating motherhood, recovery, and the public eye. No wonder she feels the pressure to make things seem perfect because, for some, she is the hope for a nation of people who are struggling to take the pressure of their professional life and family life.
Not to mention the pressures of the online world. It is rare to see a celebrity image that is not photoshopped and edited to perfection. And if there is disarray, the media jump to make money off the lack of perfection. Let’s be real, how difficult must it be to get three young children to look at a camera and smile? In the real world, there will be fighting, tears, and grumpy faces. So, who cares if she wishes to edit an image to show all-around smiles?
So, let’s celebrate her normality! Let’s ditch the “disappearance” narratives and embrace the reality of a mum taking a well-deserved break. Because when we see the royals as relatable human beings, we chip away at the pedestal they’re placed on and celebrate the strength of ordinary mums everywhere.
Is Kate Missing, or Just Mum-ing?
Written By Amy Jones
Amy Jones is a freelance writer who loves writing about all things travel. When she’s not writing, she loves visiting new places, both in the UK and all over the world. She loves to try new cuisines and meet new people!
Follow on Twitter – @amyjoneswriter
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