Brands weigh in on Kate Middleton controversy on social media

There’s been much dispute over the whereabouts of Catherine, princess of Wales and brands are now claiming to have “spotted” her. 

It was reported that Kate was undergoing abdominal surgery in January and would be out of commission from her royal duties amid her recovery. Her last public appearance was in late December. Following the surgery announcement, people took to social media to speculate why Kate has not been seen in months, which was further fueled by a manipulated image distributed by Kensington Palace. 

While Kate is expected to make her first appearance on Easter, brands globally have begun documenting their “spotting” of Kate and her husband and heir to the British throne, William, Prince of Wales.

Merriam-Webster

The publishing company poked fun at recent video footage from The Sun of what appears to be Kate and William shopping on Sunday at Windsor Farm Shop. Merriam-Webster cropped the royal couple into the Merriam-Webster citation archives in what appears to be a new sighting.

The Merriam-Webster Citation Archives??? pic.twitter.com/sLigLBNMHY

— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) March 19, 2024

Dublin Airport

Over in the Republic of Ireland, the country’s capital airport also cropped William and Kate as visiting passengers. 

Great to see passengers looking so happy and relaxed this morning. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/4u35dXnvhU

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) March 19, 2024

Prague Airport 

William and Kate's destination? The Czech Republic apparently. Prague’s airport re-shared Dublin Airport’s post, marking the duo’s arrival at Terminal 1. 

They've just arrived from @DublinAirport ������. Where to next?�� https://t.co/dWGEpwpSxM pic.twitter.com/GdHCJySUBX

— Prague Airport (@PragueAirport) March 19, 2024

NYC Sanitation

Luckily for all the social media account sleuthing, Kate was allegedly found in New York City taking out her garbage.

Kate’s been found! She’s putting her trash out in bins!

Be like Kate: https://t.co/7a6mQAXLeN pic.twitter.com/swwS116qHp

— NYC Sanitation (@NYCSanitation) March 19, 2024

City of New York

The city’s official government X account re-shared NYC Sanitation’s post, calling out the image for being photoshopped. Similarly, Kate responded to her Mother’s Day image, acknowledging that “like many amateur photographers” she has experimented with editing. NYC added that bins rat-proof lids are in fact real and should be used. 

BREAKING: upon investigation, this image has been photoshopped.

However, those rat-proof lidded bins are VERY REAL. Use them. https://t.co/J7hUFV4Xvb

— City of New York (@nycgov) March 19, 2024