'Jung Byeongseol' British Crown Princess Shares Family Photo on SNS "Taken Earlier This Week"

Appearance Hidden After January Abdominal Surgery Raises Health Concerns
"Thank You for Your Interest and Support" Expresses Gratitude

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge (42), who had been out of the public eye for nearly two months following abdominal surgery in January, dispelled health rumors by sharing an update on social media on the 10th (local time).

On this day, the Duchess posted on the X (formerly Twitter) account of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, saying, "Thank you for the warm concern and continuous support over the past two months," and "Wishing everyone a happy Mother's Day." Mother's Day in the UK falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent and changes every year; this year it was March 10. She also shared a photo of herself smiling with her three children: eldest Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (8), and youngest Prince Louis (5).

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, smiling with her three children.
[Photo by Prince William and Princess Catherine's official account, Yonhap News]

BBC UK explained that the photo shared by the Duchess was taken by Prince William earlier this week. The reason for sharing the message and photo appears to be to dispel various rumors and suspicions that arose after her surgery.

Earlier, the British royal family announced that the Duchess underwent surgery on January 16 and would be hospitalized for about two weeks, stating she would not return to official duties until Easter (March 31). After the Duchess, who had previously appeared soon after childbirth, stopped all public activities following the surgery, unconfirmed rumors and reports about her serious condition circulated domestically and internationally. A popular Spanish news program even reported, citing an anonymous royal source, that the Duchess had fallen into a coma after the surgery. The British royal family expressed outrage, saying, "There was no attempt to verify the facts, and it is basically a completely fabricated story."

Meanwhile, the British Army posted that the Duchess would attend the military colors parade in early June this year but suddenly deleted the post, fueling further speculation about her condition. The British Army had posted on the official website of this year's military colors parade that the Duchess would attend the event on June 8, but after related reports surfaced, they removed her photo and name from the notice late on the 5th (local time). Her photo was replaced with one from a previous military colors parade, and the description that she would review the troops was changed to "Colonel's review."

Previously, the Duchess underwent abdominal surgery at a hospital in London on January 16. The royal family announced the day after the surgery that "the Duchess's surgery was successful." At the time, BBC UK reported, "Although the royal family did not disclose details, they said it was not related to cancer," adding, "However, considering the length of hospitalization and recovery and the tone of the statement, it is clear that the illness was serious." The Duchess had participated in all official activities, including attending the royal family Christmas service last year, up until just before the surgery.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.