Princess of Wales pictured for first time since abdominal surgery as she continues her recovery

4 March 2024, 21:31 | Updated: 5 March 2024, 11:10

Kate was last seen on Christmas Day
Kate was last seen on Christmas Day. Picture: Alamy

By Kit Heren

The Princess of Wales has been seen in public for the first time in over two months, as she continues to recover from abdominal surgery.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Kate was seen with her mother Carole Middleton, driving near Windsor Castle.

Ms Middleton behind the wheel of a black Audi while Kate sat in the passenger seat, wearing dark sunglasses.

The photos were published by a US gossip website and have not been reproduced by news outlets in the UK.

The photo is understood to have been taken by unauthorised paparazzi.

The report in the US stated the princess is “maintaining a low profile ... or trying to, anyway”.

Read More: Princess of Wales to review Trooping the Colour as she returns to royal duties after surgery

The photographs are reported to have been taken shortly before 9am on a Monday.

Kensington Palace announced in January that Kate had planned abdominal surgery and would not be returning to royal duties until Easter.

LBC Views: The King’s got cancer, Kate is recovering & now the Queen’s on holiday - just who is in charge of the Royal Family?

Supportive messages for Charles and Kate ‘mean a great deal to us all’, says Prince William

But her absense from the public eye has led to speculation over her health.

Kensington Palace released a statement last week saying: "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."

Ben Kentish discusses 'utterly barmy' newspaper headlines on Kate Middleton

Royal aides later slammed the "madness of social media" as speculation continued.

Officials said on Friday: "We were really clear from the start we weren't going to provide a running commentary on the Princess of Wales's health and only provide significant updates.

"Obviously, we've seen the madness of social media and that is not going to change our strategy. There has been much on social media but the Princess has a right to privacy and asks the public to respect that."

Kate was admitted to the London Clinic - the private hospital where the King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate - for a planned operation on January 16.

Charles, 75, visited his daughter-in-law's bedside after being admitted himself on January 26 - the 11th day of Kate's stay.

She was also visited by her husband, William.

Kate left the hospital on January 29 - almost two weeks later.

She returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be reunited with her three children, Kensington Palace said.

Details of the princess's condition have not been revealed but the Palace said previously it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.

The 42-year-old future queen was last pictured in public during a Christmas Day walk in Sandringham, Norfolk.

A week after she left hospital, Charles announced he had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment.

Kate is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter, and William, 41, temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children.

He carried out his his first public engagements since her surgery in early February.

Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, were expected to be hands-on in helping the Waleses.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Health leaders are now urging people to be cautious when considering cosmetic procedures.

Vampire facial warning issued after cleaning concerns at Wolverhampton clinic

An elderly old age pensioner sits with his hands on a walking stick in a care home.

Gut bacteria changes could be ‘warning sign for worsening Parkinson’s symptoms’

Karen Bass says the restrictions will be in force in downtown areas of LA from 8pm to 6am local time (4am to 2pm UK time).

Los Angeles mayor imposes curfew 'to stop the looting' on fifth day of clashes against immigration raids

The report added that it should become easier for parents to organise “safe play” in their streets, and there should be a national ban on “No Ball Games” signs.

'Too much screen time, not enough play': Calls to ban ‘No Ball Games’ signs to reduce children's reliance on smartphones

The ASA did not uphold complaints about Price appearing to be unhealthily thin, and concluded that the ad was not irresponsible on that basis.

'Not empowering - just objectifying': Advertising watchdog bans Diesel ad featuring Katie Price

A number of homes and police vehicles were damaged during the riotous behaviour.

Police use water cannon in Ballymena after petrol bombs thrown at officers in second night of disorder

Bowel cancer patient Kelly Buckle, 40, is operated on during a state-of-the-art robot assisted surgery performed by the NHS at Solihull Surgical Hub in Solihull Hospital, West Midlands.

Robotic surgery set to soar in NHS as 90% of all keyhole surgeries to be assisted by robots in decade

Despite weaker demand, renters are still facing a limited supply of homes for rent, Zoopla said.

'Still being squeezed': Rent rises slow to four-year low but low-income tenants say crisis far from over

Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers of England acknowledge the fans after the teams defeat in the international friendly match between England and Senegal at City Ground on June 10, 2025.

Tuchel insists ‘no need to panic’ as England booed off for second time in four days after shock defeat against Senegal

The biggest lottery prize the UK has seen could still be won after Tuesday’s EuroMillions draw had no winners.

EuroMillions jackpot rolls over again as UK’s largest ever prize of £208m is unclaimed

The violence flared following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the town at the weekend.

Missiles thrown at police in second night of Northern Ireland disorder following protest over alleged sexual assault

Emergency services at the scene on Russell Close in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, where a man and a nine-year-old girl died in a house fire on Sunday morning.

Father and nine-year-old daughter that died in house fire named, as girl, 11, still fighting for life in hospital

The global superstar has reportedly offered seats to her London tour at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to families in need through food banks across the city.

Beyoncé 'gives away' gig tickets to low-income families after struggling to fill seats at Cowboy Carter London tour

from next month, women aged 25 to 49 in England who are negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) will receive screening invites every five years.

Cervical screening invites to be sent out every five years for some women in new NHS changes

Alex Eastwood

Kickboxer, 15, who died after charity match had fought 34-year-old man week before

Exclusive
The government is to introduce extra measures to protect emergency workers from religious and racist abuse, LBC has learned.

New laws to clamp down on racial and religious abuse of emergency workers, LBC learns