Jimmy Kimmel blasts Kate Middleton conspiracy theorists: 'Leave this poor woman alone!'

Jimmy Kimmel has hit out at Kate Middleton conspiracy theorists after online speculation spread in recent weeks about the whereabouts of the Princess. 

On Thursday, the 56-year-old comedian weighed on the frenzy surrounding the conspiracy theories which stem from the Princess of Wales' health. 

During a 14-minute monologue, Kimmel told the audience of his show: 'Why do we have to know where she is? 

'It's not like she's the bus driver. She had an operation, she had abdominal surgery maybe she has a colostomy bag and doesn't want everybody to see it.'

'People are demanding she get dressed up and march through London so we can have a look at her. Leave this woman alone!' 

On Thursday, the 56-year-old comedian weighed on the frenzy surrounding the conspiracy theories stemming from the Princess of Wales' health

On Thursday, the 56-year-old comedian weighed on the frenzy surrounding the conspiracy theories stemming from the Princess of Wales' health

The Princess of Wales was spotted last week shopping at her local farm shop in Windsor alongside her husband Prince William. 

Millions of people breathed a collective sigh of relief when they saw 'happy, relaxed and healthy' Kate smiling as she walked away from the store.

Others on social media, however, continued to push crazed claims - including that the woman in the video was not the royal but in fact a body double. 

Kensington Palace has always said the Princess would be 'unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter'. 

Earlier this month royal aides condemned the 'madness of social media' as theories continued to spread about the Princess.

Among the speculation being circulated by cruel trolls are that the Princess has died, or is using a body double or even her sister Pippa as a stand-in.

Unkind provocateurs have even suggested that she is in a coma or being faked with AI. 

The theories became frenzied after the release of a photograph on her official social media channels for Mother's Day, when it became clear that the picture had been modified using Adobe Photoshop. 

Several picture agencies issued rare 'kill' notices for the photo because it had been substantially altered 

MailOnline has found at least 16 potential issues with the photo

The couple were spotted visiting the Windsor Farm Shop (pictured), which is close to their home in Berkshire

X, formerly Twitter, is awash with 'verified' users posting scarcely believable theories about Kate

Several picture agencies issued rare 'kill' notices for the photo because it had been substantially altered, with online wannabe detectives pointing out the flaws in the photograph, which Kate said she edited herself.

Matters were not helped when pic agency Getty Images said over the weekend that an image of Queen Elizabeth II sitting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, also taken by Kate, had been 'digitally enhanced at source'.

And despite video being obtained by The Sun showing William and Kate walking happily through the car park of the Windsor Farm Shop, social media remains unsatisfied that she is recovering well.

X, formerly Twitter, is awash with 'verified' users posting scarcely believable theories about Kate.

As a result, users searching for information on Kate Middleton find themselves quickly immersed in unverified and libelous speculation from which there is essentially no escape.

Others are even going after the man who took the video, attempting to claim that he was 'hired' by the royal family to orchestrate the entire affair.

Some have lamented the state of social media as the unsubstantiated theories have continued to proliferate. 

Kate was last seen on Christmas Day 2023 with her family attending church at Sandringham before undergoing abdominal surgery in January

Prince William and Kate were seen leaving Windsor together by car on the afternoon of March 11 - but the picture did little to quell cruel speculation about her recovery

A previous Kensington Palace statement read: '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.

'Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.

'The Princess of Wales wishes to apologize to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.'