HEIR SHE IS
Kate Middleton spotted for first time since her abdominal surgery in new photo with her mum Carole
Conspiracy theories have swirled online about the Princess's whereabouts
KATE Middleton has been seen for the first time since her hospital operation.
The Princess of Wales was in the passenger seat as mum Carole, 69, drove her in an Audi near Windsor Castle on Monday.
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She was wearing sunglasses and appeared to be smiling slightly in her first sighting since her abdominal operation.
It comes after social media was flooded with conspiracy theories over her whereabouts as rumours about her health began to swirl.
Unfounded online rumours were fuelled when Prince William unexpectedly pulled out of a memorial service last week where he was expected to give a reading
Kate, 42, underwent the “planned major abdominal surgery” in January at the London clinic.
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The central London private hospital also treated The King while he underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Kensington Palace said at the time Kate was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
At the time, the mum-of-three apologised for postponing her Royal engagements following the surgery which was not cancer-linked.
The statement read: "The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
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"She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
The palace previously said the public "will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible".
William returns to duty for first time in 8 days after pulling out of service for ‘personal matter’ as Kate recovers
Where is Kate Middleton recovering?
Kate initially went back to Windsor before continuing her recovering at the family's Norfolk country home, Anmer Hall.
Royal watcher Jennie Bond told : "Windsor is lovely, and they have a beautiful house, of course.
"But it’s also on the Heathrow flight path and that can be very intrusive.
"William and Kate find all they want as a family in the wide open spaces that Norfolk offers."
Jennie also added that Kate will have been treated to some “fabulous” gifts and “delicious” hampers from doting friends as she recovers.
She told the publication: "I’m sure these old friends would know exactly how to keep Kate’s spirits up after such major surgery.
Timeline of Royal health battles
HERE is a date-by-date rundown of the health battles to have struck the Royals this year.
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery.
JAN 17: It is announced that the King is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside.
JAN 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen.
JAN 21: It is announced Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a skin cancer.
JAN 23: Kate’s hospital stay passes one week. JAN 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment.
JAN 29: The King is discharged from hospital. Kate leaves the same day.
JAN 31: Queen Camilla announces that the King is “getting on, doing his best”.
FEBRUARY 5: Buckingham Palace announces the King has cancer, but not of the prostate, and will not carry out public-facing duties.
FEB 18: The King appears in good spirits as he attends a Sunday church service in the grounds of Sandringham.
FEB 23: The King filmed crying and chuckling while opening some of the 7,000 cards from well-wishers.
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate's health.
MARCH 4: Kate Middleton pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate.
"They have probably pampered her with fabulous gifts of luxurious spa products and hampers of delicious goodies to tempt her tastebuds.
“They know what she might like to watch on TV or to read, and may have been sending recommendations and encouraging her to rest and take the time out she needs."
When will Kate Middleton be resuming royal duties?
If Kate recuperates according to schedule then her first engagement back could be at the family service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.
However, sources have claimed her commitment to her royal duties could see her get back into work as soon as she can.
Following her operation in January 2024, a statement from Kensington Palace said: “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.
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"She hopes 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.
“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”