Users Talk about Princess Catherine's 'Round' Face during Her Rare Outing — Uncle Says 'There's a Reason' She's Out of View
- Kate Middleton makes a public appearance after medical recuperation.
- Online speculation about her appearance sparks debates.
- Uncle Gary Goldsmith defends her need for privacy.
After undergoing abdominal surgery, Kate Middleton has been focusing on her recovery away from the public's prying eyes. Her recent sighting has reignited the public's curiosity, but not without controversy.
In January 2024, Kensington Palace announced on social media that the Princess of Wales had been hospitalized for a planned medical procedure.
Kate Middleton visits Outfit Moray on November 2, 2023 in Moray, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
The Firm also noted the operation was a success and that the royal would remain at the hospital for several days until she could return home for a full recovery.
Police officers standing outside the private London Clinic on January 26, 2024 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Prince William seen leaving the London Clinic on January 18, 2024 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
According to the palace, Middleton requested that her medical information be kept private for the sake of her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, whom she shares with her husband, Prince William.
Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Kate Middleton stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on June 5, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte and Prince George attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk. | Source: Getty Images
Royal officials have been tight-lipped about Middleton's condition, stating only that she underwent abdominal surgery. The palace indicated that under the doctor's orders, the mother of three would need a considerable period to recuperate, suggesting she would not resume her duties until around Easter.
Kate Middleton views floral tributes left at the entrance to Sandringham House on September 15, 2022 in Sandringham, England. | Source: Getty Images
The Firm reportedly reassured the public that Middleton, whose father-in-law King Charles III also has health issues, is gradually recovering. As for her spouse, the Prince of Wales has been by her side since her hospitalization and was seen visiting her while there.
At some point, Prince William stepped back from his royal duties to support his wife. But he eventually resumed with them alone while the Princess of Wales remained in recovery.
Prince William speaks receives a bouquet of flowers during a visit to the Western Marble Arch Synagogue on February 29, 2024 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Middleton was recently spotted for the first time since her hospitalization earlier this year. The senior royal was seen with her mother out driving near Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom. This appearance is notable as the royal has not been seen in public since December 2023.
Kate Middleton attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk. | Source: Getty Images
Middleton, donning shades and a slight smile, was a passenger in her mother's vehicle, an event that drew significant attention due to her recent absence from the public eye.
Despite the apparent normalcy of the outing, the internet has been rife with speculation and humor at her expense, particularly focusing on her appearance.
Comparisons of Middleton's current appearance to previous images have fueled online debates. Remarks about her "round" face and speculations regarding her weight gain post-surgery have been rampant.
One person wrote that it is not the Princess of Wales, adding, “Too round on her face.” Another commented, “Looks like someone with a round face and a dark wig.” Someone else observed, “That face is very full. Kate’s face is slim.”
Kate Middleton attends the "Together At Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2023 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
“Where is the security and doubt very much her mother would be allowed to drive her. She must have put a on weight post surgery too. She's carrying more weight in her face since the last pictures in December,” one online user asked.
Meanwhile, some skeptics even doubted the authenticity of the photos, suggesting that the person in them was not Middleton. “That’s not her. Are you mad?? It looks nothing like her!” said one user. Another individual echoed, “That doesn’t look like her.” And a third person said the same thing.
Kate Middleton during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
Amidst this speculation, Middleton's uncle, Gary Goldsmith, has called for respect and privacy for his niece. Goldsmith, who is the brother of Middleton's mother, is a British businessman and a self-made multimillionaire.
He described himself as a workaholic who likes, enjoys playing tennis and joking around, and being the center of attention. Goldsmith said people may consider him to be a "bad boy," and has had four wives.
Gary Goldsmith arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court on November 14, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
In a recent interview, Goldsmith expressed the importance of giving Middleton the space to recover, criticizing the public's fascination with her health and appearance. He emphasized the family's focus on prioritizing health and well-being over public duties.
Of the ongoing speculation concerning Middleton's absence, the renowned entrepreneur who is widely known for his work in IT, shared why the Royal Family does not address it as much.
Kate Middleton and Michael Middleton pictured on June 23, 2005 in St. Andrews, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
"I think they should leave her alone right now because there's a reason why they're [family] not talking about it and they are giving her a little bit of space," said the Londoner, adding, "I just think it's fundamentally wrong and if it was happening to anybody else they would think to give them some space. But because Kate's Kate, she does such an amazing job, there’s always interest in her."
Gary Goldsmith arrives for the Conservative party Black and White Ball at Natural History Museum on February 7, 2018 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Goldsmith further stated the Princess of Wales is the most beloved royal for a reason and pleaded with people to give her some space to recover. He expressed, "Kate, get well, love you and when you're ready we'll see you again. That's what we do to anyone else, why not her?"
Gary Goldsmith and Julie-Ann Brown attend the UK premiere of "The Frozen Ground," 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Goldsmith recently joined "Celebrity Big Brother," and in an interview before becoming a contestant on the show, the 59-year-old said he would not embarrass his niece or the Royal Family on the reality show.
He described Middleton as the "most perfectly perfect person," adding he is extremely proud of her and how the family has stuck together including the trust the royal has with her mother and sister.
Kate Middelton arrives at the Shaping Us National Symposium at the Design Museum on November 15, 2023 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
"So it's a really strong unit. There's nothing really to dish there. In showing support, Goldsmith has also shared his pride in Middleton's strength and character, refuting any notions of her being a "commoner."
"I hate when people say that she's a commoner because there's nothing common about her at all. She's spectacular," he explained. This is not the first time Goldsmith has spoken fondly of Middleton.
Gary Goldsmith attends the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews at St Mark's Church on May 20, 2017 in Englefield, London. | Source: Getty Images
In a May 2021, Goldsmith described Her Royal Highness as the modern version of the Royal Family that the public has now become accustomed to, adding she is well-suited for the role.
Kate Middleton as a child at her uncle's wedding | Source: YouTube/SWNS
Gary Goldsmith and his groomsmen at his wedding | Source: YouTube/SWNS
Kate Middleton and her family at her uncle's wedding | Source: YouTube/SWNS
Kate Middleton and her family at her uncle's wedding | Source: YouTube/SWNS
Gary Goldsmith looking at his niece's photo | Source: YouTube/60MinutesAustralia
Asked about another side to Middleton that the general public is unaware of, Goldsmith shared the royal jas a "wicked and devilish sense of humor." In addition, Middleton is domestic and is good at cooking. She is more like the "girl next door" who is extremely funny yet has an important role to play in society.
Kate Middleton attends her graduation ceremony at the University of St. Andrews on June 23, 2005 in St. Andrews, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
Kate Middleton and Prince Louis attend the Platinum Pageant on The Mall on June 5, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Besides gushing over his niece, Goldsmith has also expressed admiration for her husband, Prince William. Goldsmith recalled meeting the future King of England and said at the time, Middleton was the one who was cooking up a storm.
Prince William and Kate Middleton attend "Rippa Rugby" in the Forstyth Barr Stadium on day 7 of a Royal Tour to New Zealand on April 13, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand. | Source: Getty Images
He said it was a surreal moment to meet the heir to the British throne. According to Goldsmith, meeting the prince, who greeted him first and introduced himself, was like meeting a normal individual.
Prince William and Kate Middleton attend a Christmas Party at Kensington Palace on December 4, 2018 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Hayes Muslim Centre on March 9, 2023 in Hayes, England. | Source: Getty Images
He was fascinated that Prince William was his usual self and even went as far as offering him something to drink. While waiting on Middleton to finish cooking, the Prince of Wales asked Goldsmith whether he would like a cup of tea, and he was left in awe.
Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton and Prince Louis clap for NHS carers on April 23, 2020 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
When asked how he felt when Middleton and Prince William tied the knot at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, the proud uncle said the experience was "unbelievable."
For Goldsmith, Iit felt unreal once he and other family members entered a vehicle that took them to the ceremony as it dawned on them that Middleton would be marrying into the Royal Family.
Kate Middleton and Prince William travel down The Mall, on route to Buckingham Palace following their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith at her wedding | Source: YouTube/60MinutesAustralia
Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton and Prince Louis clap for NHS carers on April 23, 2020 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The feeling intensified when the bride walked down the aisle with her father. "It was absolutely mind-blowing," Goldsmith recounted. He and his daughter starred at each other in disbelief.
Prince George, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis, Prince William and Princess Charlotte on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Color on June 17, 2023 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Kate Middleton departs Kensington Palace to attend a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on October 23, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
Kate Middleton during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
When asked whether he would shed a tear if his niece were to become the Queen of England, Goldsmith admitted that he would probably cry like a baby.
"She's someone to be super, super proud of, and hopefully that comes across. And I genuinely will say, she is nice on the inside, than she is on the outside. She's a very beautiful," Goldsmith added.