He also criticized the palace’s vague messaging, noting that while it has insisted “everything is going according to plan,” questions remain about why Kate spent weeks in hospital and has stayed out of sight for months.
“Wouldn’t Have Hurt” Kate to Reassure the Public, Says Royal Author
In the same Fox News interview, Andersen questioned why Kate hasn’t made even a brief public appearance.
“If she’s doing well, she could have stepped outside and smiled for photographers,” he said. “Queen Elizabeth never spent months away from view — and she faced plenty of serious health issues. The mystery around Kate’s surgery only deepens.”
He added that while privacy is understandable, “it wouldn’t have hurt her to pop her head above the parapet every now and then.”
Still, Andersen acknowledged that the experience may have changed Kate’s perspective:
“Her medical problem might’ve given her a new appreciation of what really matters — time with her children. But for someone so skilled at managing the press, her complete disappearance does make one wonder what’s really going on.”
The Bigger Picture: A “Depressing” Glimpse Into Royal Life
Royal commentator Daniela Elser argued that the situation reflects broader issues within the monarchy. Writing for News.com.au, she said the TMZ photo “tells a bigger, sadder story” about control, transparency, and the price of royal life.
“It’s depressing that it looks like Kate felt she had to let her face be seen in public to calm the frenzy,” Elser wrote. “There’s something off-kilter about the internet being able to alter the plan for a future queen’s recovery.”
She also pointed to Prince William’s role, noting that his recent cancellation of engagements for a “personal matter” only intensified speculation.
“The prince helped make the mess — why isn’t he helping clean it up?” Elser asked. “Why has it fallen to Kate, who’s recovering from serious surgery, to dispel a grab bag of theories about where she is and what’s going on?”
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