IT WAS an overcast, chilly Monday morning when the world last saw the Princess of Wales at an official royal engagement.
Wearing an electric blue anklelength coat and matching hat, Kate greeted well-wishers outside church in Sandringham.
Clutching the hand of her daughter Princess Charlotte, she smiled for the cameras on the royals' traditional Christmas walk.
Joined by the Prince of Wales and their other children, Prince George and Prince Louis, they looked the epitome of a happy family. Yet unbeknown to most people on that crisp Christmas Day, it would be the last time we would see the future Queen for nearly three months.
Just over three weeks after that appearance at church, Kensington Palace revealed she had undergone planned abdominal surgery.
The announcement came a day after she was taken away from prying eyes to The London Clinic in Marylebone, central London.
Officials insisted her condition was "non-cancerous".
Their hope was to dampen the speculation but, in the age of social media, that was always going to be wishful thinking. Kate and William dropped plans to visit troops abroad and postponed their first official trip to Italy this spring.
Officials said she would not return to royal duties until after Easter at the earliest and asked for privacy.
A statement said: "The Princess wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact she has to postpone upcoming engagements.
Denne historien er fra March 23, 2024-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 23, 2024-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
KEEP CALM & VALAKARI ON
New boss still watching from stand but Kirk says it Saint an obstacle
NO MAD THING
Slot says he's not worried about TAA to Real talk
Kids need a healthy diet to concentrate
Five-a-day fruit and veg scheme a major boost
NEIGH LUCK
Kelpies creator Andy tells how work dried up after he finished landmark.
Sails force greets the royals on Aussie trip
THE famous sails of Sydney Opera House give the King and Queen a special welcome as they touch down on their tour of Australia.
CHIP SHOP ASSAULTS RAP STAR QUITS CLUB
A SCOTTISH Premiership club has announced the departure of a player after he was charged with assault.
NOW END THE WAR
Peace plea after death of Hamas Oct 7 chief
Tributes to 'angel' Alana killed in A71 horror smash
A WOMAN who was killed in a horror crash in Ayrshire has been named locally as barmaid Alana Muir.
Bus driver death: Teen pleads guilty
Drunk yob headbutted and rained punches on Keith
REEVES EYES INHERITANCE IN TAX RAIDS
Chancellor also mulls welfare cuts to find £40bn