Prince William appears to be "curiously absent" as wife Kate Middleton faces the fallout of the digitally-altered photo scandal and swirling questions about her health, according to royal commentator Daniela Elser.

William, who allegedly took the photograph in question, has conspicuously abstained from displaying his support, forcing Kate Middleton to independently issue an unprecedented apology, Elser claimed in a Sunday piece for news.com.au.

Prince William, Kate Middleton's Relationship

A seeming lack of support from male members of the royal family has heightened scrutiny and raised questions into the internal operations of the family during periods of conflict, Elser wrote.

In light of his own health issues, King Charles III has refrained from publicly supporting Kate amid the controversy surrounding the Mother's Day photo, which leading news agencies retracted when it became apparent that it had been digitally altered.

Elser's commentaryreferences historical occurrences, including the brief reign of Elizabeth I in England, during which her father abandoned her. 

Aside from an apology in which Princess Kate took responsibility for the poor editing, the royal family has not made a public comment on the photo.

A friend of the couple discussed with Roya Nikkah of the Sunday Times the increasing suspicion surrounding Kate's whereabouts and the repercussions it has had on the family of five. Insiders reportedly said that the princess might delay her return to public duties until April 17, to accommodate the spring vacation of the couple's children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

According to the friend, William will also escape from public obligations during the Easter holiday. This year, Easter falls on March 31, leaving about two weeks of break from school before Kate's potential public appearance.

It is uncertain whether William will recommence his public responsibilities on the same date. Official confirmation concerning the royal heir's public schedule has not yet been given. As he divides his time between public engagements and caring for Kate after her abdominal surgery in January, William has performed royal duties irregularly.  

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Prince Louis' Birthday

Meanwhile, the prince and princess of Wales have yet to make a definitive decision regarding whether they will enlist the services of a professional photographer to document Prince Louis' upcoming birthday.

Sources have claimed that William and Kate plan to carry on the tradition of sharing photographs to celebrate their children's birthdays, despite the photo controversy.

Prince Louis will celebrate his sixth birthday on April 23.

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