Princess of Wales thanks public for ‘kind wishes and support’ since surgery
Kate, the Princess of Wales has spoken publicly for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery, where she thanked the public for their ongoing support.
In a social media post celebrating Mother’s Day, Kate said: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.”
She continued: “Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day,” before signing off the post “C” for Catherine.
The post was accompanied by an image of Kate, 42, surrounded by her three children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
The previously unseen photograph was taken by William, the Prince of Wales, in Windsor earlier this year – but the exact date of the image is not known.
It comes after Kate underwent “planned major abdominal surgery” in January earlier this year at private hospital the London Clinic – which at the same time also cared for King Charles during his treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Kensington Palace warned during the announcement over her health that it was unlikely the Princess of Wales would return to public Royal duties until after Easter.
Kate initially went back to the Wales’ family home Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to continue her recovery, before moving onto Anmer Hall, another home in Norfolk.
Amid the few vague updates from the Palace about her condition, Kate’s absence from the public has stoked significant social media speculation and wild conspiracy theories. The Palace has confirmed, however, that her treatment is not cancer-related.
The Ministry of Defence also caused confusion when it announced on its website last week that the Princess of Wales, as Colonel of the Irish Guards, would attend Trooping of the Colour preparations on June 8 ahead of the monarch’s official birthday parade a week later.
Kensington Palace did not confirm the Ministry of Defence’s announcement and the claim was swiftly removed from its website. This would have been Kate’s first confirmed official appearance since her surgery.
If the Royal continues her recovery as scheduled, her first official engagement back will likely be at the Easter Sunday family service at St Geroge’s Chapel, Windsor, on March 31.
It comes as King Charles also took to social media on Mother’s Day to pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The King – who is undergoing cancer treatment – shared a monochrome image of him kissing his mother’s hand at what appears to be a polo event.
“Wishing all Mothers, and those who are missing their Mums today, a peaceful Mothering Sunday,” the post said, which was accompanied by an emoji of a pink flower.
Queen Elizabeth died in September 2022 with all of her children by her bedside at Balmoral, Scotland. It is the King’s second Mother’s Day without the late monarch.
