Kate Middleton's uncle, Gary Goldsmith, is currently appearing on the reality TV show 'Celebrity Big Brother,' where he has not shied away from discussing his famous relative, despite the Princess of Wales' recent surgery and her preference for privacy. According to royal author Robert Jobson, Goldsmith "doesn't answer to his niece" and has decided to accept the sum of money offered to him to appear on the show as a "grown man."
Jobson believes that Goldsmith is fully aware of what he wants to say and will not be disrespectful towards his niece. However, the author also noted that if Goldsmith does say something indiscreet, the royal family's press office, which "pays salaries of about a million pounds altogether," is well-equipped to respond and make their position clear.
"The royal family aren't backwards in coming forward when it comes to making their position clear," Jobson explained. "We live in a free country and someone's approached him to pay him a load of money to do it, but that's up to him to decide what he wants to do."
In a recent episode of 'Celebrity Big Brother,' Goldsmith weighed in on the feud between Prince Harry and Prince William, blaming Meghan Markle for the rift. "Then suddenly there's an extra dynamic that comes in, puts a stick in the spokes and creates so much drama that I don't generally think is there, and re-wrote the history and said how unhappy he was," Goldsmith said.
Despite the tension, Goldsmith expressed hope for a reconciliation, stating, "I think it is pretty sad because I think at some point he's going to want to come back and be part of the gang, he might need to, but I think we're a very forgiving nation and I think everybody will give him a chance again."
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton's health has been a topic of discussion since the palace announced her abdominal surgery in January. A spokesperson for the Princess of Wales recently shut down assertions made about her health, stating that they were "very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant."
Palace insiders have revealed that things have been "radio silent" regarding Kate's condition, but historian Amanda Foreman believes that the Princess of Wales remains the monarchy's secret weapon. "She is their MVP, without any doubt," Foreman said. "She is in so many ways the most like the late Queen."
Dr. Tessa Dunlop, another historian, predicted that the public would be affected by the news of Kate's surgery. "Ever the picture of assurance and health, the Princess of Wales who often waved at the waiting press pack within hours of giving birth, is in hospital," Dunlop said. "The news that Kate has undergone planned abdominal surgery and will remain in the London Clinic for the next couple of weeks has been met with surprise."
Dunlop also noted that Prince William will have his work cut out for him as he manages hospital visits with their children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, and amends royal schedules while his wife recovers.
As Kate Middleton continues to recover from her surgery, her uncle's appearance on 'Celebrity Big Brother' has added another layer of complexity to the royal family's public image. While Goldsmith may not answer directly to his niece, the royal family's press office remains prepared to counter any indiscreet comments he may make during his time on the reality show.