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Kate Middleton spotted in public for the first time since December

The princess, who is recovering from abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition, hasn't been seen in public since Christmas Day.
Credit: AP
FILE - Kate, Princess of Wales smiles as she speaks to a woman during her visit to Sebby's Corner in north London, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.

LONDON, UK — The Princess of Wales, formerly Kate Middleton, was spotted in public on Monday for the first time in months as she continues to recover from surgery.

The 42-year-old future queen was seen wearing dark sunglasses while riding in a car with her mother, Carole Middleton, in photos obtained by TMZ. Onlookers told British publication The Mirror that Carole was driving and the princess appeared to be chatting with her mother. 

The princess hasn't been seen in public since Christmas Day. In January, the palace announced that she would be hospitalized for up to two weeks after a planned abdominal surgery and would likely not resume her royal duties until Easter. She was discharged from the hospital on Jan. 29. 

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The palace didn't offer further details, but confirmed that her condition was noncancerous.

Last week, Prince William pulled out of attending a memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, because of a personal matter, fueling more speculation about Kate's condition. 

The princess isn't the only member of the royal family whose health is making news. King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer last month after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. The palace said the cancer is not related to the prostate condition. The 75-year-old king is being treated as an outpatient, the palace said, and “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”

The Associated Press contributed. 

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