Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Latin Times
Latin Times
Entertainment
Alicia Civita

Shakira, Juan Gabriel, Telenovelas: Latinos Give A Meme Twist to Kate Middleton's Mediatized Disappearance

Kate Middleton Shakira Juan Gabriel Camila Juan Guaidó King Charles III Prince William Buckingham Palace (Organization) KENSINGTON PALACE (Organization)

MIAMI - The absence of public appearances by Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has sparked a torrent of conspiracy theories, memes, comments, and even songs. The interest and creativity of the public seem to be endless and potent. Yet, few can match the ingenuity of Latin social media users, who have drawn on their knowledge of Shakira, Juan Gabriel, telenovelas, music, politics, and even the deductive powers of mamás latinas to depict the frenzy that has engulfed the world as it collectively and eagerly awaiting news of Prince William's wife.

Kate Middleton's absence from public view since Christmas 2023 has led to widespread speculation and various theories. Kensington Palace announced in January 2024 that she was hospitalized for abdominal surgery and was not expected to return to public duties until after Easter. Her request for privacy, especially concerning her children, was emphasized in the statement.

Amidst her absence, King Charles announced he was seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate and later revealed a cancer diagnosis. This transparency was seen as a way to prevent speculation and aid public understanding of the disease. The media and public reaction varied, with speculations ranging from Kate being in a medically induced coma, experiencing a mental health breakdown, donating a kidney to her royal father-in-law, and even rumors of a secret divorce from Prince William. However, these theories are largely unsubstantiated.

The image that sparked Kate Middleton's saga online

In March 2024, paparazzi photos of Kate driving around Windsor with her mother surfaced, followed by a family photo shared on social media for Mother's Day. However, the photo was later retracted due to manipulation. The public speculation about her condition exploded to the point of no return. The wilder the theories of what happened to the princess, the funnier the memes.

Some of them are related to Shakira. The Colombian artist is releasing her first album in seven years, so she is on the minds of her fans. Others are suggesting that a Latina mom - known for an uncanny ability to find EVERYTHING - should be in charge of finding princess George, Charlotte and Louis mom.

There are also comparisons to well-known and long-suffering leading female characters in telenovelas. Although the crazier ones are related to Venezuelan political moments in time, like an allegedly proof of life provided by the Cuban government before Hugo Chávez's death, and a joke about Juan Guaidó's period as a temporary president of the country.

The longer Kensington Palace (the office of the Princess and Prince of Wales) and Buckingham Palace, (the office of King Charles III and Queen Camila) take to provide a credible explanation about what happened to Kate Middleton and a proof of life, the imagination of very creative people will keep producing amazing content. All while the world mixes laughter with best wishes for the Princess of Wales and her children.

© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
FDA restricts psychoactive mushroom used in some edibles
The regulator warned food manufacturers that Amanita muscaria –  more commonly known as the fly agaric – and the compounds it contains are not authorized to use
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
“I go to church every Sunday when I’m home. Especially now I’ve replaced the booze with glue”: From GN’R and Pantera to Ozzy Osbourne and God, Zakk Wylde is the most connected man in rock
It’s Zakk Wylde’s world - we just live in it
Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer
My husband and I tried the Scandi Sleep Method and love it — 3 reasons you will too
We avoided a sleep divorce thanks to the Scandinavian Sleep Method, but will it work for you too? Three telltale signs that it will...
Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
45 Years Ago, A Disney Misstep Was A Secret Sci-Fi Masterpiece
The haters were wrong. On its 45th birthday, 'The Black Hole' is just as wonderfully manic as ever. Here's why this flop is actually worth your time.
Inverse
Inverse
Black long COVID patients ignored
New research found that those living with long COVID in the U.S. had significantly more anxiety and depression
Salon
Salon
Jared Leto’s latest ‘iconic’ role leaves fans divided
‘Skeletor was going to make or break this movie,’ said one fan
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play