Kate's disappearance sparks tasteless Saltburn joke, but film fans find it hilarious
Rumors and speculation about Kate Middleton's sudden absence have sparked a conspiracy theory involving Queen Camilla and the town of Saltburn.
Earlier this year, the Princess of Wales underwent planned abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in Marylebone. The successful procedure was announced by Kensington Palace on January 17, but Kate has not been seen in public since.
Concerns for her well-being have grown among royal fans, as the last known photograph of her was taken on Christmas Day 2023.
The recent concerns arise following King Charles' cancer diagnosis, with Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson also being diagnosed with skin cancer earlier this year. On X (formerly Twitter), conspiracy theorists have come up with a tasteless new theory attributing all the bad news to the Queen Consort. Even Prince William's hair loss was mentioned in this wild theory.
One user jokingly referenced the unfortunate events affecting the Royal Family, listing them as: "Kate Middleton missing; Queen Elizabeth deceased; King Charles battling cancer; Princess Diana passed away; Prince William experiencing hair loss; Prince Harry facing financial struggles; Queen Camilla emerging victorious." This post was accompanied by a photoshopped image of the royal figure drinking from a glass and smoking a cigarette.
Some people likened Queen Camilla to the dark comedy Saltburn from 2023, which shocked viewers with its explicit scenes. "I have nothing but admiration for Camilla if she can pull off a Saltburn on the entire royal family," one person remarked.
Another said, "Queen Camilla is definitely in her Saltburn phase," while another commented, "Queen Camilla is living her own Saltburn life."
The wild allegations come after various conspiracy theories about the Princess of Wales' location. Some of the more outlandish rumors on social media suggest that Kate is Banksy, stuck in the Willy Wonka experience as an Oompa Loompa, or undergoing a more serious operation than reported.
One user on X even commented, "no Banksy art has appeared since Kate Middleton went missing. Is it just a coincidence?"
Another person agreed, stating that of all the conspiracy theories about Kate Middleton's whereabouts, the idea that she is Banksy is their favorite. Someone else made a joke about Kate Middleton disappearing after visiting the Willy Wonka experience. This is in reference to the 'Willy's Chocolate Experience' in Glasgow, which was so bad that police were called.
Kensington Palace has now dismissed the wild speculation. A spokesperson told The Independent that Kate Middleton is "doing well" and is recovering from her operation at home.
Considering how bizarre the claims are, it is unlikely that the Palace will release an official statement addressing the rumors about Queen Camilla "Saltburning" the royals.
