The Princess of Wales has thanked the public for their support as Kensington Palace released the first photo of her since she had abdominal surgery in January.
A photo of Catherine with her children, Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, was released on Prince William and Princess Kate’s official social media accounts.
“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” the post said.
“Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”
The photograph was taken earlier this week in Windsor where the family live, her Kensington Palace office said.
In late January, the palace confirmed she was undergoing planned abdominal surgery and would spend two weeks in hospital before returning home to convalesce.
It announced she would temporarily withdraw from public duties until after Easter, which falls on March 31 this year.
No further detail about her condition was given, though the palace acknowledged, “the Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate”.
“She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,” an announcement released in January read.
There have been rumours and some wild speculation on social media in recent weeks about the health of the princess, who has been absent from public royal life since Christmas Day.
Her office released a statement earlier this month, reiterating that it would be providing only “significant updates” about her recovery.
Kate’s surgery came on the same day that palace officials said King Charles, 75, would also be entering hospital for treatment for an enlarged prostate.
During the king’s hospital stay, his medical team discovered he had an unspecified form of cancer.
Charles has had to postpone his public engagements while he undergoes treatment although he has been pictured carrying out some of his duties as head of state.
Reuters/ ABC