Initially, Princess Catherine’s name was listed as a participant in the royal carriage procession. But just minutes before the event began, her name was removed from the list. And so social media exploded with speculation, vitriol, and unfounded conspiracy theories. Catherine is more than a royal icon. She is a human being, one who is on the road to recovery from cancer treatment, a battle she has never hidden. Her absence is not a sign of crisis. It is a testament to courage and caution.

According to royal sources, the real reason was simply a clerical error in the event program, which misprinted the Princess’s name despite her having decided not to attend. Without this mistake, no one would have asked. But even a small detail is enough to spark a wave of irrational speculation. Among them are Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter, iconic and physically demanding events. At Royal Ascot, temperatures hovered around 30°C, a challenge for anyone recovering from chemotherapy. Catherine’s absence is not a “withdrawal”, but a wise and courageous choice to protect her health.

Catherine has been candid about her recovery journey, saying that there were good days and bad days. Millions of people who have fought or are fighting cancer will understand. Absence should not be a pastime on social media. It is a moment for us to relearn empathy. He celebrated his 43rd birthday in a low-key way with his family, appearing in warm photos with his children, serving breakfast to military families, or sitting comfortably watching football with locals. Not only fulfilling his royal role, William is redefining his position as close, responsible and sincere. His priorities are the climate, mental health, homelessness and above all, family. In an age where public trust is no longer a given, William is leading with integrity. At the Order of the Garter ceremony, the two appeared together, chatting and laughing in the sunshine. The image was a gentle but powerful message: Catherine is back  in her own way with elegance and strength.

Will we see Catherine don the prestigious robes of the Order of the Garter next year? If ever she deserved that honor, it is now—when she has quietly served the royal family, even in its darkest days. From June 25 to July 2, he will visit Prince Edward Island, Toronto, and Ottawa. Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh will continue her engagements in the United Kingdom. They are the quiet providers of stability that the monarchy desperately needs right now. The next time you see social media going crazy over a canceled event or a no-show, remember that recovery is not always a straight line. And sometimes the strongest thing is to say, “I need a break today.”