Princess Kate seen for first time since abdominal surgery and hospitalization

(LONDON) — Kate, the princess of Wales, has been spotted publicly for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery and recovering in the hospital for nearly two weeks in January.

Kate, 42, was photographed Monday being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, near Windsor Castle.

The photograph was not released or authorized by Kensington Palace.

The new photograph of Kate came as online speculation continues to swirl about her health and well-being.

The mom-of-three and wife of Prince William was last seen publicly on Christmas Day, when she joined members of the royal family in walking to church in Sandringham, the royal family’s estate in Norfolk, England.

Just a few weeks later, in mid-January, the palace announced that Kate had undergone “planned abdominal surgery” at The London Clinic, a hospital in London.

She was hospitalized for nearly two weeks before continuing her recovery at her family’s home in Windsor. The palace’s announcement on Jan. 29, that Kate had been discharged from the hospital was one of the very few updates the palace has shared on her status.

On Feb. 29, a palace spokesperson told ABC News that Kate is “doing well” as she continues to recover.

The spokesperson brushed off recent social media speculation about Kate’s health, telling ABC News in a statement, “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.”

Kate’s absence from the public eye, as well as her husband recently missing a royal engagement because of a “personal matter,” led to rampant speculation online about Kate’s well-being.

At the time of her surgery, the palace said Kate is not likely to resume her public duties until later this spring.

In past years, William and Kate and their children have been photographed walking to church together with other members of the royal family on Easter Sunday.