Prince William walking with Kate, Princess of Wales (Credits: David Hartley/Shutterstock)
The man who filmed Kate Middleton and William’s public appearance at a Windsor farm shop has branded conspiracy theorists ‘delusional’.
Nelson Silva, 40, shot footage that shows Kate walking with Prince William outside on Saturday.
The footage has sparked ludicrous conspiracy theories claiming the woman in the video is not the Princess of Wales.
A BBC reporter criticised reporting of the sighting, claiming it was ‘clearly not’ Kate in the clip.
In a now deleted post on X, freelance sports reporter Sonja McLaughlan said: ‘It’s clearly not her.
The tweet from Sonja McLaughlan (Picture: X/Twitter)
‘As someone has said. Could be couple of lookalikes making mischief.’
The footage emerged after weeks of conspiracy theories circulating on the social media regarding the condition and whereabouts of the Princess of Wales following abdominal surgery.
Kate initially stepped back from public engagements two months ago. Kensington Palace said she would return after Easter.
BBC reporter Sonja McLaughlan took to X (Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images)
Speculation soared after a Mother’s Day photo of Kate and her children – the only photo released of her since her operation – was found to have been manipulated.
The mystery around her disappearance from the public eye has only snowballed since as people’s appetite for a scandal remains unquenched by Palace explanations.
For well-wishers, there was a moment of relief when the video emerged.
It appeared to show Kate with her hair down as she carried bags through a car park outside Windsor Farm Shop just a mile from her home at Adelaide Cottage.
‘This is a video clearly showing her and William. I saw them with my own eyes. It was a completely relaxed situation’, Mr Silva said.
But some, like Ms McLaughlin, weren’t convinced.
BBC broadcaster Sonja McLaughlan (Picture: Getty Sportsfile)
Claims the spotted royals had been body doubles gained more than 11 million views on TikTok and 12 million on X, formerly Twitter, in under 24 hours.
Some people suggested Kate was taller in the video than she really is, while another claimed the video was filmed in December.
‘I’m not so much shocked that these comments have continued, I’m just confused how exactly they can continue’, Mr Silva added.
‘What more do you need to lay off her? I thought after this was released they’d go quiet. But these people are so invested in the drama now.’
BBC declined to comment.
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