The Princess of Wales has been pictured for the first time since having to withdraw from public life earlier this year due to abdominal surgery.
Catherine was spotted driving in Windsor while staying incognito. Before 9 AM, she was spotted in photos released by TMZ, wearing a black coat and sunglasses and riding next to her mother Carole Middleton, who was driving.
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Catherine last made a public appearance on Christmas Day in December, and this is her first appearance since announcing her surgery in January.
According to Kensington Palace’s initial announcement on January 17, Catherine, 42, is “unlikely to return to public duties after Easter.”
With a representative for Catherine, Kensington Palace dismissed rumours on social media last week. The statement read, “We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something significant.”
“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements,” said a statement released alongside the news that her official engagements had been postponed. She is eager to get as many back as she can, as quickly as she can.”
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At the time, a detailed statement outlining her condition was made public. It said, “The surgery went well, and it is anticipated that she will stay in the hospital for ten to fourteen days before going home to continue her recuperation. She probably won’t be able to resume her public duties until after Easter, according to the latest medical advice.
“The Princess of Wales is grateful for the attention that her remarks will bring. She hopes that the general public will respect her wish to keep her children’s lives as normal as possible and to keep her private medical records.
“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.”
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It is acknowledged that Prince William rescheduled his diary in order to assist his wife and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
After a 13-day hospital stay, Princess Catherine was released from the London Clinic on January 29. “The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery,” Kensington Palace said in a statement. “She is progressing well.”
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“The entire team at The London Clinic, especially the committed nursing staff, has our sincere gratitude for the care that they have given” – the Prince and Princess spokesperson said.
“The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”
