Megyn Kelly, host of "The Megyn Kelly Show" podcast, has doubled down on her decision to speculate about the rumors surrounding Kate Middleton's recent disappearance from the public eye and the viral Mother's Day photo that sparked controversy. In the latest installment of her show, Kelly asserted that she doesn't "feel bad" for discussing the Princess of Wales, arguing that the duchess is "the most famous woman in the world" at the moment.
"I can't think of somebody who's more famous than Kate Middleton. And how did she get so famous? She married Prince William," Kelly explained. "Was that an accident? H--- no...So they did get married and she became one of the most famous, richest [people]...And this is the downside of it. There's interest in you."
Kelly emphasized that the public's interest in Middleton's health and well-being is a natural consequence of her high-profile status, noting that "there's way more upside than there is downside to having people been interested in you." She compared the situation to the attention garnered by the late Queen Elizabeth II, stating, "That was true for the Queen. And it's really true for a 42-year-old future queen who shouldn't be having one month stays in the hospital. And then three months reclusive periods thereafter, to the point where she has to release - which she did by the way, she got us paying attention to her - by releasing the photograph."
The podcast host criticized Middleton's decision to release a "fake" palace photo that only fueled more rumors and concern, rather than issuing a personal statement clarifying her health status. "It was a fake and a fraud to the point where the agencies all pulled it," Kelly noted. "So I make no apologies for being interested in this because when people smell a lie, especially involving somebody that rich and powerful, they don't let go."
Kelly also took aim at The View moderator Whoopi Goldberg, who recently suggested that Middleton should be able to do whatever she wants with her photos without it being a scandal. "Whoopi Goldberg would like us all to just STFU," Kelly said. "She was one step away from accusing us of doxing Kate Middleton. Kate is famous because she's literally the Princess of Wales. She's the future queen. That's why we're interested in her."
The journalist further emphasized that Middleton's public role and the royal family's decision to make their children public figures come with certain expectations. "It was a position she sought and accepted, she puts herself out there on the balcony in the pictures along with her husband, they of course make the children public figures," Kelly continued. "She could have remained a commoner like she was. It comes with the territory. I'm sorry."
In a separate development, Kelly shared her suspicions that Middleton "did not sit" for the controversial Mother's Day photograph, casting doubt on the current narrative surrounding the image. "I don't believe she even sat for that picture," Kelly said during Wednesday's episode of The Megyn Kelly Show. "I think it's an amalgamation of other shots involving the family."
Kelly pointed to a recent photo of Middleton in which she appeared "puffy" and suggested that "something's wrong" with the princess's health. She also lent credence to the debunked conspiracy theory that Middleton passed away during abdominal surgery in January, stating, "My own personal belief is she did not sit for that photo. And the real question is: How unwell is she that she can't sit for a photo with her three children that she would control and she could photoshop and she could cover up herself with?"
Journalist Dan Wooten, a guest on Kelly's show, clarified that Middleton is "absolutely" still alive but acknowledged that the royal family is currently facing its "biggest crisis in a generation." He cited the various challenges the monarchy has faced since the death of Queen Elizabeth II 18 months ago, describing the situation as a "disaster."
As the speculation surrounding Middleton's health and the controversial Mother's Day photo continues, the royal family finds itself grappling with a public relations crisis that shows no signs of abating. The ongoing debate about the public's right to information versus the royal family's right to privacy is likely to remain a contentious issue in the weeks and months ahead.
