While the Prince of Wales and his wife were observed heading to Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day service, Kate's presence with William was not an indication of an extraordinary return to royal duties. Instead, it is understood that Kate was en route to a private appointment.
The exact destination of the Princess of Wales remained undisclosed, but it coincided with her husband's journey into central London, as he arrived alone for the 2.45 pm service attended by senior royals, including Queen Camilla and Princess Anne.
As William appeared to read notes on his phone, Kate was seen looking out of her window while they were driven out of the grounds of Windsor Castle in a blue Range Rover. Later, William was dropped off at the Abbey without her.
Kate, a mother-of-three, was not anticipated to make a public appearance until after Easter, following abdominal surgery and a two-week stay in a private London hospital in January. Her surprise presence emerged amidst rampant online conspiracy theories surrounding the princess and her health.
The sighting coincided with mounting pressure on Kensington Palace to release the original Mother's Day photograph. This followed the Princess of Wales' apology after admitting to editing the family portrait featuring herself with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
