'We Were Clear From the Start': Princess Kate's Aides Lash Out at Social Media 'Madness' and Speculation About Her Health

Buckingham Palace courtiers have lashed out at what they called "madness" on social media concerning Catherine, Princess of Wales' health.

Sources from Kensington Palace, which is Kate and Prince William's official office, stated: "We were really clear from the start we weren't going to provide a running commentary on the Princess of Wales's health and only provide significant updates."

"Obviously, we've seen the madness of social media, and that is not going to change our strategy," they added. "There has been much on social media, but the Princess has a right to privacy and asks the public to respect that. We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter, and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant."

This statement comes after the Prince of Wales skipped a memorial service at the last minute for "personal reasons" on Tuesday, February 27. The Palace released another statement that day to reiterate that the future queen was "doing well" in her recovery from a "serious" abdominal surgery on January 16.

The news also comes at a time when King Charles III is battling cancer, but it's the future queen that has many royal analysts on alert with this particular cancelation. Her Royal Highness underwent a "successful" yet "serious abdominal operation on January 16.

The day after her procedure, Kensington Palace announced: "The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery," the statement read. "Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible, and her wish that her personal medical information remains private," the statement continued. "Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share."

Her Majesty Queen Camilla formally led the British royals at the funeral service, which took place at St George's Chapel near Windsor Castle. The chapel is the burial site of many monarchs, including King Henry VIII and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Also in attendance was Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, which didn't go down very well with royal observers on social media. "'Prince Andrew leads…' should not be anywhere next to 'Royal Family.' I’m sorry but this is terrible optics all around," one critic complained on social media, as another shocked viewer said: "Andrew?!!!!!!!!"

GBN reported on the palace statements.