The halls of Kensington Palace are in turmoil over the latest development with Kate Middleton: she has had a secret meeting. After William's wife's absence at Ascot and the flood of rumors about her health, the duchess has reappeared. However, this reappearance has taken place within the walls of Kensington without any official photo or press present.
The reason for the meeting stems from an official engagement with Melinda French Gates, Bill Gates's ex-wife and founder of Pivotal Ventures. This is a charitable organization supporting equal opportunities for women. Kate has made time during her retreat to welcome Melinda and share common interests together.
Kensington Palace falls silent over the latest news about Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton's movements continue to generate much discussion. Her absence at Ascot still resonates, although Kensington Palace explained that, from the very beginning, it was known she wouldn't attend the racecourse. Now, amid theories about her possible retirement from public life, Kate is turning the palace upside down.
What Middleton has done is have a private meeting with Melinda French Gates, Bill Gates's ex-wife, at Windsor Castle. In the midst of her break, Prince William's wife has agreed to meet with the founder of Pivotal Ventures, without cameras or press.
The meeting took place shortly after the Prince of Wales conducted an investiture at Windsor. This suggested discreet coordination with the official agenda of the Crown during Kate's recovery. The couple welcomed Melinda, strengthening the ties between the Royal Foundation and the international women's philanthropic work led by Gates.
This private engagement reflects the princess's intention to support charitable initiatives without exposing herself publicly during her recovery after cancer treatment. Despite her absence at Royal Ascot, Kate hasn't stopped participating in humanitarian and diplomatic tasks, staying away from the media spotlight.
This isn't the first time Bill Gates's ex-wife's foundation has worked hand in hand with British royalty. A few months ago, it shared a joint project with Harry and Meghan's foundation. Now it was Kate's turn, who didn't hesitate to pause her break to attend this private and charitable meeting.
Kensington Palace prepares for the possible reappearance of Kate Middleton
"She is being careful, listening to her body, and taking things slowly regarding her return to public life." With these words, the British Royal House justified why Kate didn't attend Ascot. This period of rest also comes after an intense official agenda that pushed the Princess of Wales to her limit.
That's why it was surprising that Hello! magazine published the secret meeting Middleton had in Windsor. Especially because it comes amid rumors about her true health condition.
Be that as it may, the truth is that Middleton does seem to have taken a brief break from official events. Not so from private ones, like the one with Gates's ex-wife, which led her to take a pause.
Now, Kensington Palace is preparing for what could be the Princess of Wales's reappearance at an institutional event. On July 8, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife will make a state visit to the United Kingdom. Therefore, Kate is expected to be part of the welcoming committee and the subsequent institutional events.
This may have been the main reason for this break, in an attempt to regain strength ahead of other more significant events.