Kate Middleton hasn’t been seen for weeks, and on top of everyone generally spiraling, there are now unsubstantiated rumors (emphasis on rumors) that she may be stepping away from royal duties, which would be huge news if it were true.

Thankfully though, these rumors seem to be extremely false. Here’s the backstory on how the rumors started, what reputable sources say, and when we should expect the Princess of Wales back in the public eye.

The Backstory
In case you are in the.01 percent of people not caught up on all of this, here are the basics:Kate had surgery on January 16, and the Palace straight-up said “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”

Prince William pulled out of his godfather’s memorial for “personal reasons,” kicking off concern over Kate’s whereabouts.

Kate released a heavily Photoshopped Mother’s Day pic and everyone became convinced she was “missing” even though she was photographed the next day.
A source claimed Kate’s senior staffers “haven’t been able to see or speak to her” and she’s covered in a “shroud of secrecy.”

At this point, even the most rational and non-conspiracy-minded among us can admit the vibes are getting weird over at Kensington Palace, and now there’s speculation that Kate might be on the verge of quitting the senior royal duties altogether.

How the Speculation Started
It appears to have come straight from The National Enquirer, the same infamous tabloid that falsely reported Kate was expecting twins in 2019. The story was then picked up by fellow tabloid Radar Online, who quoted “insiders” musing about Kate’s “resolve to quit” and how she’s “trapped in The Firm.”