'Sign of how serious it was': Why it's no surprise Catherine, Princess of Wales is still absent
By Maddison Leach|
Royal expert Camilla Tominey has weighed in on the many conspiracy theories surrounding Catherine, Princess of Wales' absence? from public life.
The princess underwent planned abdominal surgery in January and has been recovering at home ever since.
Kensington Palace said in a January statement that she will not return to work until after Easter, but that hasn't stopped rumours from flying.?
Watch the video above.?
READ MORE: Palace releases statement after Kate speculation
"Well, there's been lots of conspiracy theories flying around the internet. Lots of different [people] have been recording videos saying, 'Where is Kate?'" she told Today on Monday morning.
"She's recuperating. She's at their home, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, and we've seen William out and about a little bit, but while she recuperates and sort of concentrates on immediate family matters, we won't be seeing her until after Easter."
Tominey, who is Associate Editor of the Telegraph, pointed out that whatever surgery the princess underwent in January, it wasn't "insignificant".
"This is major surgery. Don't forget she was in that London clinic for 13 nights, so she hasn't had something insignificant," she continued.
"I think the sign of how serious it was was William saying even in the aftermath of his father's cancer diagnosis, 'I've got to concentrate on Kate'.
"We very much got the message from Kensington Palace, William isn't going to suddenly change what he was planning to do for his wife; he's there as her right hand man."
READ MORE: Inside the private life of the late Queen's 'favourite' granddaughter, Lady Louise Windsor
Though William understands that his father King Charles needs him following a cancer diagnosis, William's "first priority" is still his wife.
"Which is probably the right approach to take, may I add," she said.
Tominey also speculated that the Prince and Princess of Wales could step up and fill the King and Queen Camilla's shoes on an Australian royal tour later this year.
The Australian government is reportedly making plans for the monarch's visit in October despite his recent cancer diagnosis.
IN PICTURES: Sienna Miller's fashion move weeks after giving birth
If His Majesty is too unwell to travel Down Under later in the year, Tominey believes William and Kate would come in his stead จC provided she's well enough.?
"If she's feeling well by then, why wouldn't they step up to the plate? I think it would be great for them to visit Australia," she said.
"If not the king and queen, then I would imagine that you'd have to see William and Kate bringing up the rear there."