By Chelsea Goodson
In the world of royals, every move is scrutinized, every appearance analyzed and every absence speculated upon. The recent absence of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, has sparked a flurry of discussion, particularly among influencers and social media personalities. While the concern for her well-being is genuine, the ethical implications of public speculation and the responsibility of influencers in such situations are under the spotlight.
Kate Middleton, the elegant and composed figure often seen at royal events, has been notably absent from recent public engagements. This absence, coupled with rumors and whispers, has left royal watchers and fans concerned. The Duchess, known for her grace and dedication to her royal duties, is a beloved figure both in the United Kingdom and around the globe. Naturally, her absence raises questions, particularly in the era of the 24/7 news cycle and social media.
Influencers find themselves in a unique position when it comes to discussing the royals. With platforms ranging from Instagram to YouTube to Twitter, they have the ability to reach millions with their opinions and observations. In times like these, the line between genuine concern and sensationalism can become blurred. Influencers are often at the forefront of discussions, sharing updates, theories and their own take on the situation. However, the ethical responsibility that comes with this influence is crucial.
Jessica Reed Kraus, aka Houseinhabit, is known for covering “culture critiques” on the likes of celebrities, political figures, those in the news and more with her over one million fan based via Instagram, her Substack and other social sites. Kraus has been at the forefront of the conversation surrounding Kate’s absence, sharing hourly updates on information she was receiving from her inside sources – but suddenly, Kraus opted to stop sharing after getting news of what she believes is actually happening with the future queen (that of which she shared first with her paid Substack community and later through her Instagram.
On the flip side, influencers like Lauren & Chan of the podcast Popapologists and fully leaned into the the “Where Is Kate Middleton” narrative with currently 31 parts of discussion on her Instagram now. Since March 11th, these 30 plus updates have garnered them over 200k followers from audience members who are just as curious as they are to know where is the future queen. At this point, the conversation of Kate has taken over their entire feed and nearly influencer identity: the question we have is what will happen with it stops?
When it comes to a public figure’s personal life, especially concerning health or well-being, a delicate balance must be struck. Speculation can quickly turn into harmful rumors, affecting not only the individual but also their loved ones. In the case of Kate Middleton, who is not only a public figure but also a wife and mother, this balance is especially crucial.
As conversations around Kate Middleton’s absence continue to unfold, influencers have the opportunity to lead by example. Sensational headlines and clickbait titles may garner attention, but at what cost? The dignity and well-being of individuals should always take precedence over viral moments.
Instead, influencers can use their platforms to advocate for respectful discourse, encouraging followers to consider the human aspect behind the headlines. This includes refraining from spreading unverified information, respecting boundaries and acknowledging that everyone, even public figures, deserves their privacy and time to handle personal matters.
The discussion surrounding Kate Middleton’s absence is a reminder of the influence wielded by those in the public eye, including influencers. While curiosity is natural, compassion and respect should guide our conversations. Speculation should be tempered with sensitivity and the dignity of individuals, regardless of their status, should always be upheld.
In this digital age where information spreads at lightning speed, influencers have the power to shape narratives. Let us use this power responsibly, remembering the ethical implications of our words and actions. As we await updates on Kate Middleton, let us do so with empathy and understanding, recognizing that behind the titles and the glamour, there lies a person with their own joys and challenges.