First photo of Princess Catherine since her abdominal surgery is shared by Palace

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By Kim Novak

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The first official photograph of Princess Catherine has been shared by the Palace following her abdominal surgery in January.

The Princess of Wales has maintained a low profile since undergoing the planned procedure, after canceling a host of engagements in the coming months.

One photo of her sitting in the passenger seat of a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, emerged last week, but the Princess has otherwise not been seen publicly since having surgery.

Now, the Palace has shared a stunning photo of her smiling alongside her three children to mark Mother's Day in the UK.

In the photo, the Princess looks radiant as she sits in a garden chair, with Prince George behind her with his arms wrapped around his mother, and Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on either side of her, all smiling broadly.

The Princess is seen casually dressed in jeans, lace-up boots, and a jacket, with her long, dark brown hair in her signature loose waves around her shoulders.

The photo, taken by her husband Prince William this year, was shared along with a message for all the well-wishers who had sent her messages of support during her recovery.

The couple wrote: "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day."

After Kate was admitted to hospital in January, the Palace declined to offer any details on the reason for her surgery, but reassured the public that it was not cancer-related.

Kate Middleton
Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Her public engagements were expected to be postponed until Easter, however, a post on the British Army website stating that she would be attending the Trooping the Colour 2024 show on the Horse Guards Parade in London on June 15 was recently retracted.

According to Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, Princess Catherine is "doing her best to return to work" as soon as possible, and it is believed that she will begin some duties after Easter.

Princess Catherine had spent a total of 13 days at the London Clinic in January after her surgery, before returning to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to reunite with William and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

"The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress," Kensington Palace announced in a statement upon her release. "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."

In late February, a representative for the Princess had to make a statement after rumors of the Princess's whereabouts circulated on social media.

"Kensington Palace clarified in January the expected recovery period for the princess and stated that we would only share important updates," her representative informed Page Six. "We continue to follow that directive."

We wish the Princess well in her continued recovery.

Featured image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images