Princess Kate has been off the public eye for nearly two months (Image: Getty)
Princess Kate has not had the best start to 2024 with the royal being absent from the public eye for nearly two months.
The Princess of Wales had to postpone her royal engagements due to planned abdominal surgery back in January.
Kate is currently recuperating at the family home in Windsor and her recovery is said to be “going well”.
Royal fans are anxious for the popular royal to return to the public eye, especially as the last time Kate was pictured was on Christmas Day.
Here, Express.co.uk takes a look at when we are likely to see Kate again.
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When was Princess Kate’s surgery?
Kensington Palace sent shockwaves around the world on Wednesday, January 17, when it announced that the Princess of Wales had been admitted to hospital the day before for abdominal surgery.
The Palace said the royal was admitted to the London Clinic for a “planned procedure” which was successful, without giving any more details on her condition. But it did say that the operation was not linked to cancer.
Kate spent just under two weeks in hospital, before being discharged on January 29.
The announcement on January 17 read: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery.
“The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery…
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”
The Princess of Wales had a ‘successful’ and ‘planned’ abdominal surgery (Image: Getty)
What has Kensington Palace said about the Princess of Wales?
Aside from the initial statement, the Palace has largely kept updates to a minimum on the Princess of Wales’s condition.
The only time it made another announcement was 13 days later – on January 29 – when Kate was discharged from the London Clinic to continue her recovery at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, with her family. It stated the royal has been making “good progress”.
At the time, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: “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.”
Apart from that, there have not been any other updates on the princess’s health, aside from a royal source earlier in February, who claimed Kate remains “in good spirits” as she settles at home.
Princess Kate will not be attending any engagements until after Easter (Image: Getty)
When will we next see the Princess of Wales?
Princess Kate is expected to be back at attending royal engagements after Easter, according to the Palace.
As Easter is earlier this year, taking place over the last weekend in March, Kate’s royal return is expected to take place in April.
It is not known whether she will join her family on the annual walkabout on Easter Sunday, as they head to church on the Windsor Estate.
The Princess of Wales had to postpone several engagements during her three-month break including her state visits abroad with William.
In late 2023 rumours were swirling that the couple were set to visit Rome in early 2024. It would mark their first trip abroad on behalf of the Government as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Kate and William were also due to visit a foreign country where British armed service personnel are stationed and thank them on behalf of the nation.
However, on January 17’s announcement, the Palace did specify that: “Based on the current medical advice, [the Princess of Wales] is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”
The Prince of Wales also had to rearrange his schedule so he can be by his wife’s side and fully support their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Princess Kate was last seen on Christmas Day 2023 (Image: Getty)
When was Princess Kate’s last engagement?
The mum-of-three was last seen on Christmas Day 2023 when she joined the rest of the Royal Family for their traditional festive walk to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.
Kate was in good spirits as she wore a stunning royal blue Alexander McQueen coat over a navy roll neck jumper and a matching hat by Juliette Millinery.
She accessorised the look with customised Gianvito Rossi ‘Glen 85’ boots and earrings once worn by Princess Diana.
Walking alongside her husband and their three children, Kate looked relaxed and full of festive cheer as she held Charlotte’s hand.
