Kate Middleton was photographed out for the first time since the Palace announced she had planned abdominal surgery in January. Kate was seen wearing sunglasses in the car with her mother, Carole Middleton, this morning. Her hair was styled down while her mom was driving her near Windsor Castle.
Kate’s sighting comes after her rep broke silence over the internet’s speculation regarding her whereabouts, as she hasn’t been seen in public since the royal family was out at Christmas. The spokesperson told Us Weekly in a statement, “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.”
They added that Kate is continuing to do “well.”
Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that the Princess of Wales was recovering from surgery and would return to royal engagements after Easter, which is on March 31.
The procedure, conducted on January 16, “was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery,” they shared. “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private. Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.
“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologize to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
The Palace addressed Kate’s status on January 29 in a second statement, sharing she had been released from the hospital. “The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery,” they said. “She is making good progress.”
Kate and Prince William “wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care that they have provided,” they added. “The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”