According to reports, Prince William is “beside himself” as Kate Middleton considers making a tragic choice with far-reaching effects

As a consequence, Kate continues to delay her ascension to the royal family. Following her “planned abdominal procedure” in January, she stepped away from the limelight.

Since Kate has been in recovery after surgery for so long—the palace first indicated that she wouldn’t return until Easter—there has been much concern about her health.

The combination of this and the Royal Family’s usual tight-lippedness on public matters has sparked widespread rumors, which the Palace has been attempting in vain to dispel.

This past weekend, many news outlets withdrew the first official portrait of Kate Middleton from circulation in commemoration of Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom, citing allegations that the photo had been “manipulated.” Nothing good came out of this for their purpose.