Kate Middleton is on the mend. The Princess of Wales was seen outside for the first time since she was a child. hospitalized for abdominal surgery in January.
In a photo taken Monday, Middleton can be seen wearing sunglasses as she climbs into the front seat of a black SUV driven by her mother, Carole Middleton.
The 42-year-old royal was admitted to the London Clinic on January 16 for treatment of a undisclosed, non-cancerous disease. She was last seen publicly on December 25 while attending Christmas morning service with her husband, Prince Williamand their three children – Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte – at Sandringham Church in Sandringham, Norfolk.
“The operation was successful and she is expected to remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery,” read a statement from Kensington Palace at the time of the procedure. “Based on current medical advice, it is unlikely that she will return to public duties before Easter.”
The palace added that Kate “appreciates the interest” the news would generate, but added: “She hopes the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality as possible for her children; and her wish that her personal medical examination information remains private.
After William recently chose not to attend the memorial service of his late godfather, King Constantine II, due to “a personal matter” Speculation is rife about Middleton's condition and whereabouts.
The palace told ET last week that Kate continues to be “doing well.” But as public conjecture only intensified, the Palace issued a follow-up statement to ET a few days later.
“We reported two days ago that the Princess of Wales continues to be well,” the statement said. “As we have made clear since our initial statement in January, we will not provide ongoing commentary or daily updates.”
In the meantime, King Charles III announced in early February that he had been diagnosed with cancer, although he did not share any other specific details. The 75-year-old monarch is currently undergoing treatment and has been advised by his doctors to postpone his public functions.
At the time of William's absence from the royal event last week, a source told ET that there was no connection between Prince Williams' personal affair and King Charles' health.
Since revealing his diagnosis last month, Charles has been seen attend church And meeting with the British Prime Minister Rishu Sunak at Buckingham Palace.
In an official statement, the king said he was touched by the influx of wishes he received.
“As anyone who has been touched by cancer knows, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.” the declaration began. “It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped to promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all these organizations supporting cancer patients and their families across the UK. United and throughout the world.”
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