Kate Middleton's months-long absence from the public spotlight sparked various speculations, including rumors that she and Prince William could be getting a divorce.

The Palace announced in January that Middleton had abdominal surgery and she would not return to her royal duties until after Easter. She was never seen in public until Monday, and many even questioned the sighting, with several saying it wasn't her because the person sitting in the passenger seat of an Audi, which her mom, Carole Middleton, was driving, looked like Michael Jackson.

Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales (L) and Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive for a a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in central London on November 21, 2023, for South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee on their first day of a three-day state visit to the UK.
(Photo : YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Many took to social media and speculated that the Prince and Princess of Wales' marriage was probably on the rocks, which was why they were never seen together and Middleton had never appeared in public. Some went further and claimed that their marriage was already over.

"The marriage is done. [The] problem is there is no Queen Elizabeth II to order them to stop the shenanigans and announce the divorce. King Charles the Weak can't control his son. Kate Middleton is hiding from him and issuing separate briefings. Kensington Palace is William only," one claimed.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge engage in a walkabout in Ballymena town centre on February 28, 2019 in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
(Photo : Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

"Since when does Kate go to the event without coordinating with the palace? It seems Kate Middleton attending the Trooping The Colour was not approved by Prince William. Carole Middleton is working hard on divorce negotiations," another added, questioning the Palace's decision to remove Middleton's name from a website that many thought was promoting her return to royal duties.

"So Kate Middleton has been spotted for the first time without Prince William, and the latter ignores journalists who enquire about his wife. When is the divorce announcement?" a third person asked.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for their visit to Coventry Cathedral during their visit to the city on January 16, 2018 in Coventry, England.
(Photo : Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, several netizens defended the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's relationship status. For them, Prince William was strong enough to stand his ground and would not get manipulated into reacting to various rumors since he had fought to protect his family's privacy.

"They know how he approaches things after years of Butting heads. When it comes to his family and private life, William is in charge, and they are hands off," one user tweeted, defending Prince William's silence from all the rumors.

The user quoted Tom Bradby, a former royal correspondent and Prince William's friend who attended the 2011 royal wedding as a guest, saying how the heir apparent has been very protective of Middleton.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge watch from the Royal Box as Novak Djokovic of Serbia wins against Jannik Sinner of Italy during their Men's Singles Quarter Final match on day nine of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 05, 2022 in London, England.
(Photo : Julian Finney/Getty Images)

"I have really been struck over the last 10 years about how determined he has been to protect," Bradby said of Prince William, per the Daily Mail. "He's tried to effectively create this iron wall around his friends and his girlfriend. You kind of worry for them that this is the moment the world gets let in."

Another user agreed, defending Prince William's approach amid the various speculations about his wife's health and their marriage.

"His detractors know [the] most important thing Prince William has is his family, this is sacred for him. W&C have been 23years together, that's why we see constant attacks on his marriage. But he's true to his word, promised to protect her & is doing it. #PrincessofWales," the netizen added.


Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the Earthshot Prize 2021 at Alexandra Palace on October 17, 2021 in London, England.
(Photo : Alberto Pezzali - WPA Pool / Getty Images)

"Prince William is a man of integrity who will always protect his family (his wife and children). Many haters and trolls think that Prince William is like his drug addict and alcoholic brother who gives interviews to victimize himself. #PrinceWilliam #PrinceWilliamIsAKing," a third person opined.

Aside from the divorce rumors, there were concerns about Middleton's health because she had not been seen in public for weeks. Some questioned if she was in a coma, while others wondered if she was still alive. However, when she was spotted on Monday, many said she looked different, sparking speculations that she had cosmetic surgery.


Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales visit Hayes Muslim Centre on March 9, 2023 in Hayes, England.
(Photo : Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The future King broke his silence amid the various theories surrounding his wife. Prince William, who took a break from his royal duties to care for his wife and kids earlier this year after her surgery, dismissed the noise online.

"His focus is on his work and not on social media," Prince William's spokesman told People.


Tags: Kate Middleton Prince William divorce