Jay Rayner has spoken out on rumours concerning a "major royal announcement" that is said to be due in the next 72 hours. Speculation has arisen once more about the Royal Family's communications, as Princess of Wales Kate remains off the grid after undergoing abdominal surgery.
Following a viral Twitter post suggesting "the BBC has been told to expect a major announcement from the Royal Family in the next 72 hours", the food critic and TV personality was quick to respond, saying: "Because it's not true. (I checked)." So far, there has been no evidence to back up the royal rumour.
He did not confirm what the "check" in question entailed, but neither the Royal Family or the BBC have commented or issued fresh information, Manchester Evening News reports. Rayner's comment was in response to broadcaster and BBC podcast host Scott Bryan, who shared the tweet, saying he has not "heard a thing from anyone".
Jay Rayner appears as a critic on the BBC's MasterChef, where he often judges the contestants alongside food writer Tom Parker Bowles - the son of Queen Camilla.
Speculation about the condition of the Princess of Wales has been rife on social media in recent weeks. Kate Middleton underwent surgery at the London Clinic on January 16, but details of her condition have been kept private.
Kate left the hospital on January 29 almost two weeks later and returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor and details of her condition have not been revealed. The Princess of Wales is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.
The conjecture about the Princess of Wales' condition became even more pronounced after her apology for a family picture issued by Kensington Palace last week on Mother's Day.
It was withdrawn with a "kill" notice by international picture agencies and the UK's PA news agency amid concerns it had been manipulated. The Princess of Wales apologised with a statement on social media which read: "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.
"I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."
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