‘What a pleasure to see her!’ Royal watchers rejoice as Princess of Wales is seen in public for the first time since her surgery at school with photos published in the US – silencing conspiracy theorists and showing her recovery is progressing

Royal watchers have shared their joy after the Princess of Wales was seen in public for the first time since her surgery, with photos published in the US.

Kate, who has been taking a step back from the spotlight while recovering from abdominal surgery, was spotted being driven by her mother Caroline near Windsor.

It is the first time the princess has been seen in public since celebrating Christmas at Sandringham with Prince William, their children and the rest of the royal family.

Delighted by her first public appearance, one royal fan wrote on social media platform

Another said: ‘Great to see her outside and getting some fresh air. I hope she takes it easy. Her health comes first.” A third added: “With her lovely mum too.”

The photos were published by US gossip website TMZ, but not in Britain after Kensington Palace called for her private recovery.

Kate was pictured wearing sunglasses in the passenger seat of a 4×4 Audi that her mother Carole Middleton was driving near Windsor Castle. The photos were taken shortly before 9am, indicating the mother and daughter were returning from the school run.

It comes after it was claimed last night that Kate’s ‘black sheep’ uncle Gary Goldsmith, Carole’s brother, was verbally abused by the princess’s parents after he signed up for Celebrity Big Brother amid fears he would spill secrets about the royal family can reveal.

On January 17, Kensington Palace announced that Kate had been admitted to the London Clinic the day before for a ‘planned abdominal operation’.

It said the operation had been successful but would result in a two-week stay in hospital before a long period of recovery at her home in Windsor.

They added that based on current medical advice, she would likely not resume her public duties until after Easter.

A spokesperson stated that it was Kate’s personal wish to keep her personal medical information private and said an update would only be provided if there was “significant new information to share.”

However, their clear statement has not prevented social media and foreign websites – from the New York Times to Vogue – from wildly speculating about the princess’s whereabouts and what may have happened to her. The hashtag #whereiskatemiddleton is trending daily.

Even the BBC website covered the issue, highlighting the bizarre speculation under the headline: ‘Royal dilemma as public curiosity about Kate’s health grows’.

Some of it is farcical: like the Internet rumor that she is recovering from a “Brazilian butt lift” or in a coma, a theory fueled by a journalist on Spanish television.

Other trolls and conspiracy theorists have used her absence and the lawlessness of social media to spread deeply sinister and highly defamatory claims.

Kensington Palace made no comment this evening, but sources stressed that the photos were paparazzi photos not authorized by the palace.

Last week, a spokesperson reiterated their advice that they would not provide a “running commentary” on the princess’ health, no matter how provoked by nasty internet rumors.

“From our perspective, we were very clear from our statement at the start of this in January that the Princess of Wales intended to remain out of public action until after Easter and that has not changed,” they said.

‘It was always clear to us that we would not provide updates if there was nothing new to share. The last thing anyone wants is a running commentary on the Princess of Wales’s recovery. Nothing changed in that approach in January.’

Kate left hospital on January 29 and returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be reunited with her children almost two weeks after the operation.

William temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children, but last week carried out assignments in Wrexham and at a synagogue in London.

While in Wrexham, the Prince of Wales was asked, “William, how is Catherine?”

William did not respond to the question as he walked into Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground last Friday during a St David’s Day outing.

As he walked into the stadium, the heir to the throne was asked by another fan: “Can I please have a selfie?” – but said: ‘Can I say hello to the team? I will come back.’

He also thanked Welsh schoolchildren for giving Kate a bouquet of flowers.

Last Tuesday, William pulled out of a memorial service for the late King Constantine of Greece at Windsor Castle due to an unspecified “personal matter.”

Meanwhile, last month he thanked the public for their “kind expressions of support” as he spoke about Kate and the king’s cancer diagnosis at an event in London.

William’s words of praise, delivered at a fundraising dinner, were in recognition of those who wished Kate well. He told the guests, “It means a lot to all of us.”

Kate is currently under the careful supervision of royal doctors and benefits from the aftercare provided by the London Clinic, with dedicated physiotherapists who have a personalized plan ready for her and a video check-up at home with a nurse specialist.

NHS advice on recovery from abdominal surgery says that after major surgery with a large incision it will take two to three months before you can move comfortably.

The family live at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor’s Home Park and are supported by their staff, including loyal, long-standing nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo.

Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, are also said to be active in helping the Waleses through this period while the princess recovers.

Last night sources told The Sun that Carole was furious with her brother Gary Goldsmith, Kate’s uncle, over his rumored appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, which returns to our screens tonight.

An insider said: ‘Gary said he was read the riot act by Kate’s mum Carole and her dad Michael.

‘They’re not happy about him going on Celebrity Big Brother. It’s infuriating for them. Kate doesn’t need this stress.’

With Charles absent from public duties, Camilla has risen to key royal appearances – leading the royal family in service to King Constantine last week.

This year there was a sudden shortage of frontline royals after Charles and Kate both went to hospital around the same time.

And the family’s health problems have led William to shoulder more of the burden of his public duties, while at the same time supporting Kate and helping care for their children.

Charles was admitted for surgery for a benign prostate condition, but was subsequently diagnosed with an unrelated cancer. The monarch has withdrawn from public duties while he undergoes treatment.