Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been pictured in public for the first time since her planned abdominal surgery in January.
Photographs obtained by Backgrid and published by TMZ captured Middleton, 42, in a car with her mum, Carole Middleton, on Monday.
However, eagle-eyed fans have raised doubts about the authenticity of the photos, suggesting the possibility of a body double due to a striking absence of Middleton’s distinctive mole above her right upper lip.
Royal insiders told BACKCOVERNEWS on Tuesday, the photos being circulated on social media appear to have been heavily edited.
“Prior to her abdominal surgery, Kate Middleton had a mole above her lip. In today’s picture, it appears to have magically vanished,” noted one Twitter user, echoing the sentiments of many others.
“It’s not her, look at her nose, cheeks, etc.,” another user remarked.
BREAKING: Kate Middleton has been pictured for the first time since she was hospitalised in December.
What do you think?
pic.twitter.com/U4zN2Tlghi
— Cillian (@CilComLFC) March 4, 2024
Prior to her abdominal surgery, Kate Middleton had a mole above her lip. In today’s picture, it appears to have magically vanished.
Is the Royal Family lying to us?
— Cillian (@CilComLFC) March 4, 2024
Speculation surrounding Middleton’s health has been widespread, fuelled by her absence from public view since attending the royal family’s Christmas function last year.
The situation came to light on January 17 when Kensington Palace disclosed Middleton’s scheduled abdominal surgery.
During her two-week hospital stay, her husband, Prince William, temporarily suspended his royal duties to support her. The palace confirmed that Middleton’s surgery was non-cancerous but provided few additional details about her condition.
As weeks passed without updates on Middleton’s recovery, online forums buzzed with conspiracy theories. In early February, the Palace refuted reports from Spanish media outlets claiming that Middleton had been placed in an induced coma due to complications from her surgery.
“It’s utter nonsense. The journalist failed to fact-check with anyone in the household,” said a palace insider.
The speculation intensified when Prince William skipped a memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, citing a personal matter. Queen Camilla stepped in, heightening concerns about Middleton’s well-being.
However, Kensington Palace has since quashed the health rumours.
“We made it clear from the start that the Princess of Wales would be out of the public eye until after Easter, with updates provided only when significant,” a Middleton spokesperson told People on Thursday, reassuring the public that she is “doing well.”
Amidst ongoing speculation, Middleton’s recent appearance with her mother suggests she is on the path to recovery, despite lingering questions about her health status.
