They release the first official photo of Kate, Princess of Wales, after stomach surgery

(CNN) — Kensington Palace has released the first official photo of Kate, Princess of Wales, who underwent stomach surgery in January.

The photo is credited to William, Prince of Wales, in which Kate sits outside surrounded by her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the past two months. Happy Mother's Day to you all,” the post read. His official Instagram account Next to the photo. The message was signed “C” (Catherine).

This Sunday is Mother's Day in the UK.

This photo was taken earlier this week at Windsor, Kensington Palace by CNN.

Kate, Princess of Wales, with her children Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte in a photo taken by Prince William earlier this week in Windsor, Britain. (Credit: Prince of Wales/Kensington Palace/AP)

Kate, 42, is recovering from surgery at her home in Windsor and is unlikely to return to public duties until Easter, Kensington Palace said in January.

The palace did not reveal what the surgery was, but said it had nothing to do with cancer.

Kate's absence from public view and William's withdrawal from an important family event at the end of February have contributed to a wave of rumors and speculation over the personal matter.

Kensington Palace has taken the unusual step of denying rumors about Kate's whereabouts and health, with a spokesperson saying in February that it “clarified the timeline for the Princess' recovery in January and we will only provide meaningful updates.” Orientation is maintained”.

His father-in-law, King Charles III, underwent surgery for a benign enlarged prostate in January and revealed in February that he had a form of cancer. Buckingham Palace did not say what kind, but he is receiving treatment.

CNN's Max Foster contributed to this report