In a rare development that’s reignited public curiosity, a candid photo of Catherine, Princess of Wales, surfaced online after being published by U.S. outlet TMZ. Captured discreetly, the image shows Kate in the passenger seat of a car, wearing sunglasses—a simple scene that has nonetheless triggered a media frenzy across social platforms.

What makes the moment more significant is that no British media outlets shared the photo, raising questions about press cooperation with the royal household. The image’s quiet release through international tabloids, however, didn’t stop it from circulating widely.

A Scheduled Return—Then a Confusing Walk-Back

Earlier hopes were raised when the British Ministry of Defence mistakenly included Kate Middleton in official listings for the Trooping the Colour rehearsal on June 8, leading many to believe her return to public duties was imminent. The excitement was short-lived. According to GB News, the entry was quietly removed and Kensington Palace had not been consulted in the matter.