Princess Kate Middleton of Wales was spotted “happy and relaxed” while walking with her husband Prince William in a farm shop near their Windsor home on Sunday, The Week reports.
It is the first time Kate has appeared in public since undergoing elective abdominal surgery in January. A witness who saw the couple told British tabloid The Sun:
“After all the rumours that had been going around, I was stunned to see them there. Kate was out shopping with William and she looked happy and she looked well. The kids weren’t with them but it’s such a good sign she was healthy enough to pop down to the shops.”
The princess did not take any pictures, following her request for privacy despite everyone’s curiosity. Earlier, Kensington Palace made it clear that Kate Middleton will return to public duties on 17 April after Easter.
Kate’s friends have reported that the princess may soon speak out about her health. According to The Sunday Times, people close to Kate said the couple will reveal more information about her recovery at a slightly later date. The newspaper quoted a source:
“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. If she was going to do it, that’s how she would do it.”
On Monday, the Prince and Princess of Wales wished their followers a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Alongside the Instagram video featuring British soldiers, the pair wrote:
“Happy St Patrick’s Day! Here’s a sneak peak of the Irish Guards rehearsing for their annual parade. Sláinte to all those celebrating today!”
Kate will miss the celebrations for the first time in seven years due to health problems.
Kate’s absence from the public eye has become an international scandal over the past fortnight, with speculation about her health dominating internet discussions. The appearance of a heavily photoshopped Mother’s Day photo of Kate and her three children at the palace has exacerbated speculation that the princess is not well. Although the princess herself issued a statement apologising for the confusion, it did little to dispel the gossip.
