The first official photograph of the Princess of Wales after her abdominal surgery has been released to mark Mother’s Day.

A picture of Catherine sitting on a chair surrounded by her three children was posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media accounts on Sunday morning, along with a message thanking well-wishers for their support.

“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” the message read. “Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C.”

Kensington Palace said the image was taken in Windsor earlier this week by the Prince of Wales.

Catherine has been recovering from abdominal surgery since 29 January and was due to be recuperating until at least Easter.

She is recovering at the family’s Adelaide Cottage home, close to Windsor Castle. Prince William has temporarily stepped back from some official engagements to help care for her and look after their children.

She was admitted to the London Clinic – the private hospital where King Charles underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate – for a planned operation on 16 January.

Catherine’s long-term absence from the public eye has fuelled speculation online about her whereabouts and wellbeing.

Last week, it was reported that she would be attending a trooping the colour event in June, but the army later removed the claim from its website after apparently publishing the information without approval from Kensington Palace.

The princess has been spotted close to her home in Windsor, with an image circulating online showing the princess, wearing sunglasses, sitting in the front seat of a car being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton.

Details of the princess’s condition have not been revealed, but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.

• Catherine, Princess of Wales
• Monarchy
• Prince William
• Mother's Day
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