Kate Middleton is feeling thankful.
The Princess of Wales, 42, thanked the public for their continued support during her recovery from abdominal surgery, while also celebrating Mother’s Day, often referred to as “Mothering Sunday” in the UK, in a post she shared on Instagram on Sunday.
Alongside a photo of herself and her three children – Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 – taken by husband Prince William, Princess Kate wrote: “Thank you for your well wishes and continued support over the past two months. ”
“I wish everyone a happy Mother’s Day,” she added and signed off with a C at the end.
The photo shows the royal sitting in a chair with her three children gathered around her. It was the first time that a family photo taken by William (41) was published.
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Kate Middleton and her three children.
The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram
In January, Kensington Palace announced that Princess Kate had “planned abdominal surgery” at a London clinic which was “successful”.
She remained in the hospital until January 29, when she returned home to continue her recovery. An initial statement from the palace said she “is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter”, following medical advice.
Although the reason for the abdominal surgery has not been disclosed, PEOPLE understands the problem is not cancerous.
A source close to the royal household recently told PEOPLE that it is “sensible” for Princess Kate to take the necessary time to recover before returning to public duty.
“It’s a great example for the rest of us, because you’re often told to get back to work as soon as possible, which can be harmful. It’s good for all of us to see her take her time, recover properly and then come back,” he said. is the source. “We can all learn from it.”
Earlier this month, the palace made a rare statement about Princess Kate’s recovery after she became the subject of online speculation.
A royal spokesman said: “We have been very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales is out until Easter and that Kensington Palace will only provide updates when there is something significant.”
A spokesman reiterated that Princess Kate was “doing well”.
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Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Louis and Mia Tindall at Sandringham on December 25, 2023.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
Inside Kate Middleton’s last public appearance before abdominal surgery
Princess Kate underwent surgery a week after her 42nd birthday and three weeks after Christmas. The Princess of Wales made her last public appearance on Christmas Day when she joined members of the royal family on their annual walk to church in Sandringham.
On 8 December 2023, she held her third annual Together At Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey focusing on her early childhood campaign “Shaping Us” which was celebrating its first year.
On December 5, she did double duty with a morning visit to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital and an evening reception at Buckingham Palace for the diplomatic corps.
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After Kensington Palace shared the news of Kate’s procedure, Prince William postponed public engagements to be with his wife and support their family, including maintaining as much normality as possible for their children.
Despite a brief palace comment confirming the Princess of Wales, 42, is “still doing well” in her recovery and her recent sighting while driving with her mother, a palace insider characterized the overall lack of information as complete “radio silence” about her condition.
Royal historian Amanda Foreman tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s cover story, “She’s their MVP, without a doubt,” “She’s the most like the late queen in many ways.”
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith adds: “She is so crucial to the monarchy and the future.”
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