In early 2024, the public absence of Catherine, Princess of Wales, received extensive international media coverage, which largely asked "Where is Kate?" After not being seen in public since Christmas Day in 2023, Catherine underwent abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in the middle of January, returning home two weeks later.In a statement two days after the operation, Kensington Palace said that it was successful and announced her extended medical leave from public engagements with a request for privacy. Speculation on social media about the nature of the absence grew after her husband, Prince William, suddenly withdrew from the memorial service for Constantine II of Greece, his godfather, at the end of February for what was described as a "personal matter".In early March, on Mother's Day in the United Kingdom, Catherine released an edited photograph of herself with her children, which was withdrawn by several major agencies after the editing inconsistencies were noticed. On the following day Catherine admitted to having personally edited the photograph, and apologised for any confusion. The photograph was noted, by newspaper commentators, as being the catalyst for a surge in coverage and speculation. The photograph and the preceding absence became the primary news item of some major outlets, leading it to dominate global trends on social media platforms, with viewers of BBC News accusing their coverage as being excessive and sensationalist.Less than two weeks later, Catherine announced in a televised statement that, after her operation, she had been diagnosed with cancer and had been undergoing chemotherapy, alongside another request for privacy. The video was met with praise for her announcement, and much of the preceding speculation and conspiracy theories were condemned.