Kate Middleton skips glamorous royal occasion as followers say she’s been ‘side-lined’
Kate Middleton missed one of the Royal Family‘s most highly-anticipated annual events, leaving fans wondering whether she has been ‘side-lined’.
The Princess of Wales skipped the white tie Diplomatic Corps reception, which was hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace last night (Tuesday, November 19) and attended by Queen Camilla and Prince William. The annual white tie and tiara event sees 500 diplomats invited to drink and dance at the palace each year in honour of the start of the Christmas season.
The future Queen – who was declared cancer-free after finishing chemotherapy in September – has slowly been returning to work. Her first two public appearances following the treatment came consecutively at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
But her return to work is gradual, and she did not attend last night’s event. Some fans have now been left questioning whether the future Queen has been ‘side-lined’. Former Dragon’s Den contestant Martyn Gould posted to his TikTok channel, Ministry of Hacks UK, where he claimed Kate had been “benched at one of the most prestigious events of the year.”
“I feel sorry for Kate,” he said. “She’s clearly been side-lined.”
He went on to say: “My thoughts are with Kate, I think she’s been treated in a Diana-style fashion.” Others were quick to chime in, with one commenting: “She’s been benched. My girl looooves a tiara photo op.”
Another added: “I was so surprised that William being driven by himself! […] Catherine and the kids were the only bright lights in the RF. Sad all the way around.”
However, not everyone agreed. One person wrote: “Sidelined? She’s the future queen,” followed by a cry-laughing emoji.
Despite Kate’s absences last night, she is said to have her sights set on her next official outing. The Princess is said to be focusing on organising her annual Christmas Carol Concert, which will take place in two weeks’ time at Westminster Abbey.
Kate did attend the event last year, wowing crowds in a sparkling pink Jenny Packham gown and the Lover’s Knot tiara. There, along with Charles, Camilla and William, they greeted guests as they formed a greeting line, followed by a a drinks reception and buffet dinner before dancing in the palace ballroom – although the royals departed before the reception began.
