Kensington Palace announced in January that Kate Middleton had undergone abdominal surgery, and would not be returning to public duties until after Easter at the earliest . In response to rampant online speculation about the Princess, Kensington Palace reiterated that "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery . This appearance became notable only later, as it marks the last time the Princess made a public appearance before her surgery . The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday