The world is obsessing over Princess Kate — here's a timeline of what we do know

LONDON — An online frenzy over the U.K.'s Royal Family has dominated social media and the news in recent weeks, as seemingly everyone has been asking where the Princess of Wales is and why she has not been seen in public since December.

Obsession reached a high after a picture of the former Kate Middleton (known as Kate, Catherine or Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales) and her children was released on Mother's Day earlier this month, before being found to be edited.

Conspiracy theories about her family life, physical and mental health, and even whether she is still alive have since gone viral around the world. The palace has widely stayed silent on the matter, which at times has added fuel to the fire.

Her return could be around the corner, as the upcoming Easter holiday traditionally involves public appearances for the Royal Family.

Here's a timeline of events so far, and what could be on the horizon:

Dec. 25, 2023, Christmas Day: As per tradition, Kate is seen walking to and attending a church service alongside the wider Royal Family, including her children and husband Prince William, on Christmas Day in Sandringham — one of the royal residencies in England.

Jan. 17, 2024: Kensington Palace releases a statement saying that Kate was admitted to hospital the previous day for planned abdominal surgery. The procedure was successful, the palace said, but Kate would stay in hospital for two weeks.

There is no confirmation of what the surgery was, with the palace saying Kate hoped that the public would respect "her wish that her personal medical information remains private." It is also at this point that the palace suggests Kate will not be resuming public duties until after Easter.

In the following days, William is pictured