This week, a very odd rumor cropped up on Reddit and TikTok. The rumor: the Princess of Wales is quietly seeking treatment at a cancer center in Houston, Texas, and she’s been “seen” at the St. Regis hotel in the city. The number of people entertaining this rumor sort of shocked me. While it’s possible that Kate is seeking treatment outside of the UK, she would never end up in America or any place where information could not be locked down. What was also interesting was how quickly Kensington Palace shut down the rumor – in less than 24 hours, KP offered a flat denial to American publications, meaning of course Kate is not in Houston. Weirdly, Entertainment Tonight also did a follow-up with their sources, asking if everyone is sure that Kate is really in the UK:

As for Kate, ET has learned that she is also in the U.K., with summer break starting in early July for her and William’s three children — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. ET was also told that the family has been splitting time between Adelaide Cottage near the children’s school and their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.

[From ET]

Nothing to see here, folks! We swear, Kate is really in the UK, we promise! Why would we lie about something like that when Kate is about to spend the next three months on her summer vacation? That’s the thing I keep thinking about too – even in normal years, Kate “goes missing” for months at a time in the summer. There have been years where Wimbledon is her final public appearance, in July, and then no one sees her until late September or even October. Well, Kensington Palace is laying it on thick that Kate is 100% going to spend the summer in Norfolk:

Princess Kate hasn’t made any official appearances since her March video announcement that she was undergoing cancer treatment — but Norfolk villagers have seen her plenty of times. According to locals, Kate, 42, regularly takes her two oldest kids, Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, 9, to sailing lessons at a club near their countryside home. The royal (every once in a while accompanied by husband Prince William, 41) watches from the shore as the children learn the ropes.

That’s just the start of the summer activities Kate’s got up her sleeve, though. As in years past, she is planning oodles of fun and adventure for George, Charlotte and their younger brother, Prince Louis, 6, during the school break. “It’s going to be all about being outside in nature and letting the kids just be kids,” an insider exclusively tells Life & Style. “Kate feels horrible that her children have been so worried about her so, more than ever, she wants to make sure this is a summer to remember. She’s promised they’ll have no bedtimes and lots of treats!

The family will largely be based at Anmer Hall — the aforementioned house in close proximity to the sailing club. Aside from getting their sea legs, the kids have reportedly requested to spend their days hiking, playing tennis and baking cupcakes. “Without George, Charlotte and Louis in class, things are going to be more chaotic for Kate,” says the insider, noting the Princess of Wales has been undergoing preventive chemotherapy. “But she’s been resting and gearing up for it.”

Her loved ones are there to provide moments of reprieve when Kate needs them. Brother James Middleton, 37, “brings dogs over to play with the kids,” explains the insider. “Kate also wants the children to spend a lot of time with their cousins.” While James’ little boy, Inigo, is merely 7 months old, 40-year-old sister Pippa’s son, Arthur, 5, and daughters, Grace, 3, and Rose, 2, make energetic playmates. “Kate hopes all the kids can be close as they grow up,” adds the insider, “and summer is really the only opportunity they have to get together for extended periods.”

This season, Kate’s tribe will also honor another family member — the late Queen Elizabeth II — in a wonderful way. “At the end of the school break, Kate, William and the children plan to go to Balmoral in Scotland to do things that the queen loved: play with her corgis, ride horses and go shooting,” says the insider. “It’s a tradition that they look forward to every year!”

[From Life & Style]

Sightings at her kids’ sailing lessons in Norfolk? Plans for a “summer to remember” and wanting Pippa’s kids around? I know this is just Life & Style, but WTF is even going on. I’ve said this for months as well – I think Kate has been in Norfolk almost this entire time. I think her mom is there too. The whole thing is just… so mysterious and strange.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images, Kensington Palace.