Kate: First official photo of Princess of Wales released since abdominal surgery
The Prince of Wales took the photo of his family, which Kate shared on social media this morning along with a message thanking the public for their "continued support".
Sunday 10 March 2024 22:20, UK
The first official photograph of the Princess of Wales has been released since she underwent abdominal surgery in January.
Picture agencies pull photo - follow latest update on story here
The image of Kate and her children, taken in Windsor earlier this week by the Prince of Wales, was posted on social media on Mother's Day as she thanked the public for their continued support following her operation.
Kate, who isn't wearing her wedding ring in the photo, can be seen sitting and smiling with her arms wrapped around her younger children Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, while eldest child Prince George stands behind his mother and hugs her.
In a message accompanying the photo on Instagram, Kate wrote: "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.
"Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day."
The 42-year-old future queen was admitted to the London Clinic for a planned operation on 16 January.
The princess returned home from the private hospital after 13 days, and Kensington Palace said at the time the princess was "making good progress".
Kate has not been seen in public since she joined other members of the Royal Family for a Christmas Day walk, though US celebrity news site which is understood to have been taken by unauthorised paparazzi.
In the photo, which TMZ said was taken near Windsor Castle, Kate wore dark sunglasses and sat in the passenger seat of a black Audi being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton.
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Why has there been so much speculation about Kate's health?
Kate is not expected to return to official royal duties until after Easter.
Last Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence announced on its website Kate would be present at its Trooping the Colour event in June, but later removed her name from the event's description.
It is understood the army had not asked for approval from Kensington Palace before making the announcement, and the palace has not confirmed her attendance.
Speculation about her health has increased since Prince William last month pulled out of his godfather's memorial at Windsor Castle due to a "personal matter".
The palace added in its statement about Prince William's change of plans that Kate was "recovering and continues to be doing well" - but did not elaborate on what the "personal matter" was.
Prince William is due to attend Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey on Monday alongside the Queen.
Analysis: An image to ease speculation
It鈥檚 normally Kate taking the family photos, but this picture is the work of William.
Taken last week in Windsor, it shows his wife looking well and relaxed, with their three children laughing next to her.
This is an image released to reassure, after a difficult week of rumour and speculation.
A paparazzi photo of the princess was published on an American gossip website. This was followed by a mess up from the MOD, mistakenly announcing her appearance at a Trooping the Colour event.
Kensington Palace has always advised there wouldn鈥檛 be a running commentary on the Princess鈥檚 condition.
But the absence of information has been filled with ever-increasing online theories, most untrue and many unkind.
And although Kate has every right to privacy, this photo will answer some of the calls for an update.
When it was announced back in January the princess had undergone abdominal surgery, we were told her recovery would last two to three months, and her return to work very much dependent on medical advice. That remains the line from her office.
It鈥檚 been a different strategy with the King and his cancer treatment. A Head of State, he鈥檚 keen to be seen carrying on with constitutional duties, with several photos released in recent weeks.
But Kate has a different role. And on Mother鈥檚 Day, we see her for the first time since Christmas Day, smiling and surrounded by her children.
The question now, whether a single photo can silence some of the fevered speculation.
Kate will miss the service as she continues to recover, as will the King, who continues to undergo treatment for his cancer.
Kensington Palace said in its update on Kate's health in January that the princess "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".
The palace also said it would "only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share".