On January 17, 2024, Kensington Palace announced out of the blue that Kate Middleton had undergone a “planned abdominal surgery.” No one saw this coming. The statement did not give many details about the Princess of Wales’ condition, which it explained was for privacy's sake for the children to live as normal a life as possible. It was also stated that she would step back from public royal duties until after Easter.
Throw in rumors of an affair, no public sightings, and a poorly photoshopped UK Mother’s Day photo, and the internet has been working overtime. The royals continue to be tight-lipped but Kate was spotted out shopping with Prince William on Saturday, March 16. This is the first time she has been seen out on video since her surgery.
TMZ published the video on Monday, March 18. Kate and William went shopping at the Windsor Farm Shop. They can be seen in the 40-second clip walking through the parking lot in casual clothing, carrying bags.
The Sun also covered this outing. It reported that Kate appeared "happy, relaxed and healthy." The shop is about a mile from Kate and William’s home, Adelaide Cottage. "Kate was out shopping with William and she looked happy and she looked well," a local witness stated.
Before this event, Kate had only been caught in photos while traveling by car. She was seen on March 4 with her mom Carole Middleton and on March 11 with Prince William. Many people questioned these images as well, so having video might appease the public for now. Kate's apology statement taking responsibility for the Mother's Day picture certainly did not.
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Some royal experts believe that William and Kate will eventually share more information. “They are at their most open when out interacting with members of the public and I can see a world in which the princess might discuss her recovery out on engagements," a source mused to The Sunday Times. "If she was going to do it, that’s how she would do it.”
A friend of the couple also weighed in to the outlet. “They will want to be clear and more open, but they’ll do it when they feel ready. I would expect that to be her instinct and it will be her call. They’re not going to be rushed,” the source speculated.
