Kate Middleton breaks silence after surgery, but photo raises new questions
The Princess of Wales had surgery in January
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Kate Middleton finally broke her silence after weeks of speculation regarding her health following abdominal surgery, but her social media post has only raised new questions.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, thanked supporters in a post to social media, which included a picture of the royal seated and surrounded by her children: Prince George and Louis and Princess Charlotte. The photograph was taken by Prince William, although it's not clear when.
Hours later, however, the Associated Press recalled the photo, saying that it appeared to have been "manipulated." Fox News Digital has since removed the photo from this article.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Despite the unusual move by The Associated Press, the photo in question remained on the royals' official social media. Fox News Digital is seeking a more complete explanation.
"Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months," Middleton wrote in the social media post.
Kate Middleton shared a photo with her children to celebrate U.K. Mother's Day. (Chris Jackson)
KATE MIDDLETON SPOTTED FOR FIRST TIME SINCE JANUARY HOSPITALIZATION
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C," she added. The United Kingdom celebrates the holiday on a different date than the United States.
Middleton's statement comes at an opportune time; conspiracy theories had mounted about her surgery and whereabouts after not being seen publicly since December.
A spokesperson for Middleton previously commented on the rumors, telling Fox News Digital at the end of February, "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. The guidance in January stands that the Princess would be recuperating at home in Windsor."
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But even with the new picture and brief statement, rumors continue to swirl. Eagle-eyed viewers noted in the photograph the 42-year-old is not wearing her wedding ring. Many theorized that the picture was AI-generated or edited. Some believe this means trouble in paradise for the beloved royal couple.
"No wedding ring. and the background is nowhere on the grounds of kensington palace and simply a random outdoor scene. they have just released an ai generated image of kate middleton. this is horrifying," one person wrote to X. "A new photo of Kate Middleton after a two-month absence without a wedding ring? Knowing that she's obsessed with wearing it, what do you want to tell us, Kate?" another pondered.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Why isn't Kate Middleton aka Princess of Wales wearing her wedding ring, though? Has she served divorce papers on Prince William?" a user asked.
A representative for the princess did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Kate Middleton was spotted publicly for the first time since December, just last week. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Middleton's first public outing was captured by photographers last week, as the royal was seen being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton.
Prince William was photographed leaving The London Clinic on January 18. (Getty Images)
On Jan. 17, the palace first shared she'd been hospitalized.
"Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery," the statement said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The palace says that Kate Middleton's abdominal surgery was planned. (Samir Hussein/Getty Images)
Recommendations from her medical team indicated that the princess would likely not resume public duties until Easter, later this month.
"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private," the original statement continued. "The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
Kate Middleton's hospital stay coincided with King Charles's surgery. (Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Middleton returned home after a nearly two-week stay on Jan. 29.
"The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided," the statement read. "The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."
Her visit coincided with that of King Charles III, who was undergoing treatment for his prostate. The palace later shared that during his procedure, cancer had been detected.