Princess Kate flashed a seemingly low-key smile as she was snapped in the front seat of her mum, Carole Middleton’s car today. The senior royal has been away from public life since Christmas after she underwent planned abdominal surgery in January.
Kensington Palace forewarned she would be recovering for weeks and would not be set to return to public duties until after Easter, which is at the end of March. However, today (March 4), it’s reported Kate accompanied her mum on the school run.
The grainy pictures published by US website TMZ show the princess wearing sunglasses and a coat in the front of an Audi 4×4 as she was spotted near Windsor Castle. The last time she was seen was on Christmas Day with her three children at the annual Sandringham church service.
The palace had confirmed Kate is “doing well” in her recovery following a procedure at the exclusive London Clinic in Marylebone – but reaffirmed that she would not be stepping out publicly until at least April.
Its statement read: “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.’
Prince William took a step back from his duties during the peak of her recovery and even cancelled his appearance at the Commonwealth service last week, for a reason that has not been clarified.
Reports have suggested Kate is being cared for closely by her mum and sister, Pippa Middleton, as she tries to get better and juggle family life. She has been out of hospital since January 29 – just over a month – and opted to recover at Adelaide Cottage to be close to her children.
The princess’s recovery from surgery has ran parallel with that of her father-in-law King Charles. The monarch also underwent corrective treatment for an enlarged prostate in January at the London Clinic.
But it wasn’t until early February when Buckingham Palace announced he was suffering from a form of cancer which has not been specified. He has been away from senior public duties while going through treatment, with Queen Camilla holding the fort.
Just this weekend it was announced Camilla, 76, would also be taking a week-long break after filling in for her poorly husband.
Kensington Palace has been approached for a comment.
