Kate Middleton Shares a New Photo & Makes First Public Statement Since Her Surgery
Getty Images, @The Prince and Princess of Wales/InstagramMarch 10 is Mother's Day in the United Kingdom, and Kate Middleton marked the occasion by sharing a new photo of her and her three children and a brief message of gratitude for the well-wishes she has received over the last several months.
The photo and the message are the first the world has heard from Kate in 2024. Her last public appearance was on Christmas Day 2023, and she has been in seclusion since the announcement of her mysterious abdominal surgery in mid-January, so fans of the royal family were pleased on Sunday to see the Princess of Wales looking healthy and happy in the snapshot taken by Prince William and shared on Instagram.
More from CafeMom: Kate Middleton Finally Spotted Out In Public for the First Time Since Her Hospitalization
Kate is continuing to stay quiet about her medical condition.
Kate's first public message since her surgery is unlikely to do much to combat all the rumors flying about why she's been MIA for so long and what actually happened to land her in the hospital. Instead of addressing the concerns that she's still seriously ill or that the surgery is perhaps some kind of cover for trouble in the royal marriage, she kept her message brief, simply saying "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C"
It is unclear when we might see Kate again.
In the initial announcement about Kate's abdominal surgery, it was noted that she was "unlikely to return to royal duties until after Easter," which is now only weeks away. Although the royal family has not yet confirmed any plans involving Kate's return to work, there has been speculation she may appear at the annual Trooping the Colour parades in June 2024. CNN reported that photos of Kate were used by the UK Ministry of Defense on the ticket website for the event and seem to imply she would be there. However, the pictures were later removed and the palace has neither confirmed nor denied she'll be at the event.
The new photo of Kate and the kids also raises some new questions.
The photo of Kate and kids (now 10, 8, and 5 years old) presents an image of a happy family, but keen observers also noted that Kate does not appear to be wearing her wedding or engagement ring in the photos. Even though Kate doesn't always wear her large engagement ring, the missing wedding ring seems to be a departure from previous photographs, even more casual ones taken at home.
Whether the missing rings are sign that Kate is perhaps still dealing with some swelling following her medical procedures or a sign there might be trouble in her marriage will likely remain a mystery until she resumes public life again.
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