Kate Middleton thanks public in first statement since abdominal surgery

Kate Middleton has released a short message on Britain’s Mother’s Day, accompanied by a picture taken by Prince William, her first since having an abdominal operation in January.

A new picture of the Princess of Wales with her children George, Charlotte and Louis has been released. Picture: The Prince of Wales.

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has released a photograph and short message on Britain’s Mother’s Day, in her first appearance since having abdominal surgery in January.

The princess has thanked the public for their support while she has been recuperating, accompanied with a photograph of her with her three children and taken last week near their home Adelaide Cottage, by husband Prince William.

The picture shows Catherine, with her arms around Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, with Prince George standing over her enveloping her in a hug, all roaring with laughter.

Cue a dad joke by William, perhaps.

Catherine looks well, and is wearing her favourite boots and casual jeans. The picture will help allay anxiety from the British public amid concerns about her ongoing health. The nation is also worried about the health of King Charles, who is battling an unspecified cancer.

The message has also put paid to the outlandish conspiracy theories that gained traction on social media about “missing Kate”.

Catherine’s message was released on Britain’s Mothering Sunday, the equivalent of Australia’s Mother’s Day and was the first official “engagement” since Christmas Day when she attended a morning church service at Sandringham in Norfolk.

The message said: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.

“Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”

It was signed “C” for Catherine.

Charles also released a 1985 photo of himself kissing the hand of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II alongside a message: “Wishing all Mothers, and those who are missing their Mums today, a peaceful Mothering Sunday.”

Meanwhile over the Atlantic, Meghan Markle attended a weekend birthday of the grieving family of a teacher killed in the 2022 Texas school shooting at Robb Elementary School, Uvalde.

Teacher Irma Garcia was killed while trying to protect her students, and then shortly afterwards her husband Joe died. Nineteen students and two teachers were killed in the tragedy.

Meghan is filmed presenting a birthday cake to the mother of one of her supporters, Irma’s nephew John.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle singing happy birthday to my mom ❤️🥰😭 pic.twitter.com/fss3TMmM6i

— JohnMtz ☀️ (@fuhknjo) March 9, 2024

Meghan had first met John when she went to Uvalde two days after the shooting to lay a wreath.

“Meghan Markle singing my mom happy birthday was the cutest most adorable thing ever, she even bought her a cake,” John said on X.

Prince Harry, with hand on heart, looks slightly uncomfortable standing in the background.