Princess of Wales Kate Middleton was recently spotted for the first time since her hospitalization. The details of her health were kept under wraps, and she was away from public eyes maintaining a low profile for a while.

As the Princess was spotted in public recently, fans almost failed to recognize her as many have claimed that Middleton has undergone plastic surgery. She had, as revealed by Kensington Palace, had a scheduled abdominal surgery following her undisclosed diagnosis. 

Kensington Palace Breaks Silence Amidst Kate Middleton’s Ominous Disappearance from the Public Eye Post Surgery

Kate Middleton. Image: Tom Soper Photography/CC

Kate Middleton was spotted in a vehicle wearing a pair of sunglasses accompanying her mother, Carole Middleton, who was driving the car near Windsor Castle in the UK. The Princess was absent since December last year, Kensington Palace has only revealed her hospitalization in a statement, keeping the specifics under wraps. Revealing her abdominal surgery, the statement said that “she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days before returning home to continue her recovery.” 

“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. Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.”

The Princess of Wales was expected to reinstate her duties as soon as possible. However, based on the medical advice, “she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.” Middleton’s recent appearance headlined several outlets and created huge discussion among fans for more than one reason, but primarily fans have wondered about her whereabouts for a while.

“She has pulled a Gone Girl”: Kate Middleton’s Unusual Disappearance from the Public Eye has Fans Coming Up with the Most Ridiculous Conspiracy Theories

Kate Middleton. Image: Jeff Amann/CC

Fans were curious about Middleton’s diagnosis, and after keeping a low profile on her road to recovery, the Princess was nowhere near the public eye until now. However, her recent appearance was a shocker as fans almost failed to recognize her at first glance, and many claimed that she must have undergone plastic surgery.

help she looks unrecognisable? hope she’s doing okay, stealing king charles’ life force ❤️

— 𝗣𝗘𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦 (@WHITEH0TPEPPERS) March 4, 2024

Is she wearing a hood? Hairline is odd and eyebrows above glasses are bizarre. Either she’s been through the wringer or that’s not her

— Cassandra 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸 (@cassypooclark) March 4, 2024

I know face lift swelling when I see it

— matt (@criminalofthot) March 4, 2024

nose job, jawline fillers, chin shaving, buccal fat removal, lip injections, brow lift, cheek fillers, BBL

— Sam🇵🇸 (@fagsnightmare) March 4, 2024

So she finally recovered from the BBL surgery😍 we wish you good health and round a*s mama🥰

— coolaidstuff (@relatblecoolaid) March 4, 2024

Why does she look like she actually had full face surgery…lip injections, botox, fat reduction, double chin removal, liposuction, buccal fat removal, brow lift, forehead implant

— Booomerang 🧏🏾‍♂️ (@Minutes_rtdd) March 4, 2024

Regardless, Middleton is alive and well. She might get back to her chair anytime soon. Meanwhile, a source close to the palace told PEOPLE that her family, including her husband Prince William, and her parents would be there to lend her the much-needed support. The 42-year-old seems alright now as a hint of a smile was spotted in her recent photograph.