Kate Middleton spotted for first time since her abdominal surgery in new photo with her mum Carole

KATE Middleton has been seen for the first time since her hospital operation.

The Princess of Wales was in the passenger seat as mum Carole, 69, drove her in an Audi near Windsor Castle on Monday.

She was wearing sunglasses and appeared to be smiling slightly in her first sighting since her abdominal operation.

The photo, published in the US, comes after social media was flooded with conspiracy theories over her whereabouts as rumours about her health began to swirl.

Trolling ramped up after Prince William unexpectedly pulled out of a memorial service where he was expected to give a reading.

Kate underwent the “planned major abdominal surgery” in January at the London clinic.

Kensington Palace said at the time she was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.

At the time, the mum-of-three apologised for postponing her Royal engagements following the surgery which was not cancer-linked.

The statement read: “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.”

The palace previously said the public “will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible”.