'LEAVE HER ALONE'
Kate Middleton’s uncle Gary blasts wild conspiracy theories about her op – & says she’s ‘number one royal for a reason’
Gary also insisted he wouldn't embarrass Kate or their family while on Celebrity Big Brother
PRINCESS Kate's uncle Gary Goldsmith has slammed wild conspiracies surrounding his niece's health and said she needs some "space".
Kate, 42, spent two weeks at Marylebone's London Clinic after undergoing a “planned major abdominal surgery”.
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The Princess of Wales was discharged on January 29.
Kensington Palace announced she would step back from all official duties while she recovered in the Wales family's Windsor home, and last week insisted she was "doing well".
Kate was seen for the first time since her procedure on Monday, out driving near her Adelaide Cottage with her mum, Carole Middleton.
She has not been seen at any royal events since Christmas Day, her absence leading to speculation about her health and whereabouts.
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Goldsmith, who last night entered the Celebrity Big Brother house as a contestant, said conspiracy theorists "should leave her alone right now because there's a reason why they're [family] not talking about it and they are giving her a little bit of space," reports.
He added: "I just think it's fundamentally wrong and if it was happening to anybody else they would think to give them some space.
"But because Kate's Kate, she does such an amazing job, there’s always interest in her."
The 58-year-old self-made millionaire continued: "She's the number one royal for a reason and I just beg people to give her some space.
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"I do think that they're changing the dynamic and they are family centric. They've got duty and it's a privilege to have the roles that they do have, but it's family first.
"You've got to look after yourself. You put your own oxygen mask on before you look after others.
"Kate, get well, love you and when you're ready we'll see you again. That's what we do to anyone else, why not her?"
Kate Middleton spotted for first time since her abdominal surgery in new photo with her mum Carole
He also reportedly insisted he would not embarrass Kate or his family while appearing on Celebrity Big Brother.
In tonight's episode, Gary is set to reveal his niece is "hard to get a hold of".
A sneak peek for the episode showed that the self-proclaimed bad uncle was asked: "Is it difficult for you, being related to famous people?”
He said: "I didn’t vote for it, it happened to me, and then suddenly there’s a spotlight on you.
";They call me the buncle! Have you heard of a buncle? Bad uncle, apparently every family has them."
Gary went on: "It’s difficult to get a hold of Kate at the best of times, and she’s got children and I love the fact that she’s putting family first."
Insiders said Kate’s mum Carole - Gary’s sister - was “infuriated” when he signed up to Celebrity Big Brother.
The Palace is also understood to be anxious about what Gary might say about the royals and Kate’s family.
A source said: "Gary said he’s been read the riot act by Kate’s mum Carole and her dad Michael.
"They aren’t happy he’s going into Celebrity Big Brother.
"It is infuriating for them. Kate doesn’t need this stress."
Timeline of royal health battles
HERE is a date-by-date rundown of the health battles to have struck the Royals this year.
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery.
JAN 17: It is announced that the King is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside.
JAN 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen.
JAN 21: It is announced Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a skin cancer.
JAN 23: Kate’s hospital stay passes one week.
JAN 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment.
JAN 29: The King is discharged from hospital. Kate leaves the same day.
JAN 31: Queen Camilla announces that the King is “getting on, doing his best”.
FEBRUARY 5: Buckingham Palace announces the King has cancer, but not of the prostate, and will not carry out public-facing duties.
FEB 18: The King appears in good spirits as he attends a Sunday church service in the grounds of Sandringham.
FEB 23: The King filmed crying and chuckling while opening some of the 7,000 cards from well-wishers.
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate's health.
MARCH 4: Kate Middleton pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate.
Where is Kate Middleton recovering?
Kate initially went back to Windsor before continuing her recovering at the family's Norfolk country home, Anmer Hall.
Royal watcher Jennie Bond told : "Windsor is lovely, and they have a beautiful house, of course.
"But it’s also on the Heathrow flight path and that can be very intrusive.
"William and Kate find all they want as a family in the wide open spaces that Norfolk offers."
Jennie also added that Kate will have been treated to some “fabulous” gifts and “delicious” hampers from doting friends as she recovers.
She told the publication: "I’m sure these old friends would know exactly how to keep Kate’s spirits up after such major surgery.
"They have probably pampered her with fabulous gifts of luxurious spa products and hampers of delicious goodies to tempt her tastebuds.
“They know what she might like to watch on TV or to read, and may have been sending recommendations and encouraging her to rest and take the time out she needs."
When will Kate Middleton be resuming royal duties?
If Kate recuperates according to schedule then her first engagement back could be at the family service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.
However, sources have claimed her commitment to her royal duties could see her get back into work as soon as she can.
Following her operation in January 2024, a statement from Kensington Palace said: “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.
"She hopes the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
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“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
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