The British Royal Family: A Timeline of the Last Few Months

For months, nearly all eyes have been fixated on the ebbs and flows of the British royal family, with King Charles III and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, in the spotlight because of health matters.

But as of late, the extended absence of Catherine, also known as Kate, from the public eye has propelled a tidal wave of rumors over her whereabouts, ultimately leaving the public still searching for answers.

Here is a quick timeline of key moments to help you catch up.

Dec. 25, 2023

Kate makes her last public appearance.

Kate’s last official public appearance was on Christmas Day, when she attended a church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, England.

She was photographed wearing head-to-toe royal blue while walking to the church alongside her husband, Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as they routinely do each Christmas. The entire family coordinated in blue and green.

Jan. 17, 2024

Kate undergoes surgery.

A little more than three weeks later, on Jan. 17, Kensington Palace announced that Kate had been admitted to the London Clinic to have abdominal surgery. Officials gave few details about her health but said the surgery was successful, and that her condition was “not cancerous.” She was expected to remain hospitalized for up to two weeks.