For what it's worth - maybe true - conspiracy forums said he died a few months back, based on some of his relatives being seen undertaking some 'bereavement rituals'.
It is not incredible that the death was concealed and announcement delayed to suit 'a more suitable time' - it has provided publicity for a film premiere that Willie and his missus went to see this week, hasn't it?
- and there may well be diplomatic reasons that we aren't aware of.