A Psychologist's Take On Why Kate Middleton Has Broken The Internet

What on earth is going on with the Princess of Wales? And why does everyone want to know?

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | March 22, 2024

The doctored photo shared by Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales—in the wake of her alleged abdominal surgery—has ignited significant controversy across various online platforms. However, the conspiracies swirling around the Princess and her health were brewing long before the emergence of this infamous photograph.

What is it that prompts such intense scrutiny and fuels the spread of conspiracy theories surrounding the Princess? Moreover, why are royalists, the apathetic and anti-imperialists all equally captivated by the media frenzy surrounding Kate?

By examining the context of the controversy and delving into the psychological roots of conspiracist beliefs and attitudes, we can unravel the complexities of this royal drama.

How The Princess Sparked Conspiracist Controversy

Suspicion surrounding Kate and her well-being has been steadily mounting since December 2023, coinciding with her sudden disappearance from the public eye.

Since then, a plethora of statements from both the royal family and reporters have surfaced, giving rise to a deluge of rumors and speculation concerning the Princess' absence and health. Despite the Palace's repeated assertions that Kate's surgery was planned, many journalists and social media users remain unconvinced.

This skepticism has fueled a multitude of unverified reports and conspiracy theories regarding the true reason behind the Princess' absence and the motives behind the edited post—ranging from lightheartedly humorous to alarmingly serious:

• On the lighter side, some suggest that the Princess impulsively gave herself a regrettable haircut and is now laying low and editing her photos until her hair grows back to its former glory.
• Others speculate that the Princess is recovering from major cosmetic surgery, hence her strategically seated position in the family photo to hide the post-op results.
• However, amid the lighthearted jokes and gossip, there are also wildly speculative claims circulating. For instance, a Spanish reporter alleged that Kate had been placed in a medically induced coma following her surgery—and there are even more extreme rumors suggesting that she may have passed away.

Such outlandish claims have led some to question whether Kate was digitally inserted into the family photo in an attempt to quell public concerns.

These incidents merely scratch the surface of the Princess' conspiracy saga. Speculations abound regarding Kate's marriage to Prince William alongside rumors of royal infidelity and endless debates surrounding the nature of the controversially edited photograph.

Yet, more interesting than the conspiracies themselves is the diverse array of individuals captivated by them. It's no longer solely the realm of royal enthusiasts that's buzzing with concern over the monarchy's affairs—previously disinterested parties and staunch anti-imperialists are now joining forces with royalists to dissect Kate's sudden absence from the public eye.

Why Everyone Is Suddenly Engaging With Royal Conspiracies

Despite the seemingly bizarre nature of these theories, they may be symptomatic of a broader unease surrounding the cryptic circumstances of Kate's absence and the royal family's handling of the situation. The sudden perceived veer toward secrecy in the royal family's communication regarding Kate has left both royalists and anti-imperialists scratching their heads.

Research regarding how royal communication shapes attitudes toward the monarchy sheds light on the unusual nature of this controversy. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II played a pivotal role in modernizing the royal family's approach to public relations, prioritizing transparency and accessibility, which resulted in favorable attitudes toward the monarchy.

Since information regarding the royal family has been permanently available for decades, secrecy shrouding their lives was thought to be more a thing of the past—that is, until Kate disappeared from the media.

In the midst of this turbulence, attempts to shield Kate from the media may have inadvertently cast a shadow over the royal family's reputation, further fueled by the strange editing of her photo. The contrast between the once shining image of the monarchy and the current aura of secrecy has captured the attention of supporters and critics.

For royalists, who hold the monarchy in high esteem, the deviation from long-standing transparency has sparked confusion and concern. This departure from the norm challenges their deeply held beliefs about the integrity and openness of the royal family, leading many to seek explanations for the sudden shift in behavior.

Research suggests that individuals with authoritarian personalities, sometimes found among royalists, may be particularly susceptible to conspiracist beliefs. In their attempt to make sense of why the family they've respected for so long is suddenly acting out of character, royalists may turn to conspiracy theories as a means of rationalizing the inexplicable. These theories offer a narrative that, while fantastical, provides a semblance of order and understanding in the face of uncertainty.

On the other hand, for anti-imperialists, Kate's sudden disappearance from the media spotlight, as well as the doctored photo, may have provided fodder for their indifference or disdain toward the royal family. This skepticism may be further amplified by enduring inclinations of conspiracy theorists.

Studies indicate that those who engage with conspiracy theories tend to demonstrate lower levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness, leading them to question prevailing narratives and scrutinize sources of authority. Given this propensity, they may be quick to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the monarchy's actions.

The royal drama surrounding Kate's absence from the public eye may not merely be a matter of frivolous speculation. Instead, it reflects deeper concerns about transparency, legitimacy and the evolving role of the monarchy in modern society.

Are you sympathetic to conspiracy theories? Take the evidence-based Generic Conspiricist Beliefs Scale to learn more.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.