Kate Middleton Spotted for First Time Since Planned Abdominal Surgery Amid Conspiracy Theories

Kate Middleton has been photographed for the first time since her abdominal surgery. The Princess of Wales was seen driving with her mother, Carole Middleton, in a photograph published on March 4.

This is the first time Kate has been seen in public since Christmas Day, when she joined the rest of the royal family for their annual walk. On January 17, the Palace announced that Kate had undergone a planned abdominal surgery, writing in a statement "Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

There's since been a ton of speculation as to Kate's whereabouts, and on February 29 the Palace ended up giving Page Six a quote saying "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands." They added that Kate is "doing well."

Sources close to the princess also told Vanity Fair (who were given the same quote as Page Six) that Kate "has not ruled out one day speaking about what she has been through, but for now, her focus is on getting better and getting back to work when she is ready."

As a reminder, the Palace also issued a statement when Kate returned from the hospital to her home in Windsor, saying, "The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress. The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."

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