On Monday, British royal Kate Middleton stepped out in public for the first time since she was hospitalized for abdominal surgery in January.
According to Entertainment Tonight, Middleton was spotted wearing sunglasses as she sat in the front seat of a black SUV. Her mother, Carole Middleton, was driving the vehicle. The mother-daughter duo appeared around 9 a.m. just outside of London. “The Princess was low-key, looking out the window as her mother paid attention to the road,” an eyewitness told the media outlet.
It was further reported that Kate Middleton was admitted to the London Clinic on Jan. 16 to have surgery on an undisclosed, non-cancerous condition. Before the surgery, Middleton was last seen in public on Dec. 25 while attending Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church with her husband Prince William. She was also with her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
In a statement, Kensington Palace revealed more details about Kate Middleton’s procedure. “The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days,” the statement reads. “Before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”
The Palace further stated that Middleton appreciated the interest that her health news had received from the public. “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible,” The Palace added. “And her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”
Kate Middleton has been spotted for the first time since her hospitalization. https://t.co/y08um9EZ7h
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 4, 2024
The Palace Says Kate Middleton ‘Doing Well’
The Palace also shared with Entertainment Tonight that Kate Middleton continues to be doing well. A follow-up statement was released just a couple of days later.
“We gave guidance two days ago that the Princess of Wales continues to be doing well,” The Palace stated. “As we have been clear since our initial statement in January, we shall not be providing a running commentary or providing daily updates.”
Along with Kate Middleton, her father-in-law Prince Charles III has also been experiencing some health issues. The monarch announced in early February that he was diagnosed with cancer. Although he is undergoing treatment, he has not revealed any specific details about the diagnosis.
He did however thank the public for the well wishes he received after the diagnosis was announced. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement. It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations that support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.”