How Carole Middleton is supporting Kate as she's spotted by her daughter's side in the first sighting of the Princess since she underwent abdominal surgery

She's been there as a hands-on grandmother, a reassuring presence at huge royal events and the envy of all the parents in the schoolyard - so it's no wonder that Carole Middleton is sure to be supporting her daughter, the Princess of Wales, through her recovery after abdominal surgery.

Kate, 42, is likely to have been doted on by her caring parents after leaving the hospital in January.

While the Prince of Wales has been at his wife's side - and representing her at engagements - Carole, 69, also looks to have been eagerly on-hand to do what she can.

Yesterday, Kate's mother was snapped at the wheel of a car driving her daughter - who was pictured for the first time in two months - around Windsor Castle.

The photos were published by US gossip website TMZ but not in the UK after Kensington Palace appealed for her to be able to recuperate in private.

She's been there as a hands-on grandmother, a reassuring presence at huge royal events and the envy of all the parents in the schoolyard - so it's no wonder that Carole Middleton is sure to be supporting her daughter. Both pictured in 2017

There were previously concerns that the length of Kate's stint in the exclusive London Clinic suggested the procedure was 'serious'.

The exact details of the princess's condition have not been revealed but the Palace said previously it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private. 

However, one thing is clear - she has supportive team tending to her recovery - with her mother at the helm alongside William.

Speaking to PEOPLE, a palace insider said that Carole and her husband, who only need to take a short drive from Bucklebury, Berkshire to Windsor, are already 'an enduring factor in the upbringing of their grandchildren'.

'And they will be a reassuring presence when she goes back to Windsor to recuperate.'

Carole and her husband Michael, 74, have long been known for their hands-on parenting approach.

Speaking to Tatler, insiders who knew the Middleton children at school said the family was notorious for 'doing everything to the very highest of standards'.

'There were huge picnics on sports days, the smartest tennis rackets — that kind of thing. It made the rest of us all feel rather hopeless,' a fellow parents told the outlet.

Carole and her husband Michael, 74, have long been known for their hands-on parenting approach. Carole pictured with baby Kate

Carole has also extended her experiences as a parent into grandmotherhood. Pictured with grandson George in 2019

'Ultimately, Carole has played a blinder as a mother. Not only are all of her children unfairly good-looking, they are also famously charming.

'Always the first to write a thank-you letter, they dance all night and are still the first up in the morning, plumping cushions and washing up.'

Carole has also always reportedly been 'one of the girls' with her daughters, meaning they would never shy away from involving their mother in their life.  

The princess's parents were also able to provide a privileged upbringing for the princess, who attended the famous Wiltshire boarding school - Marlborough College.

It's where both Kate and her younger siblings James, 36, and Pippa, 40, attended, and is said to have transformed the future Queen from a 'shy bullied girl' to a 'hockey captain that snagged a Prince'.

Kate's mother is also always on hand to support Kate for her annual 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service - a known passion project of the Princess's. Pictured with Michael st the event last year

Carole has also always reportedly been 'one of the girls' with her daughters, meaning they would never shy away from involving their mother in their life. Pictured with Pippa during the the 'Together at Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in 2022 

She has also been seen on hand to support her daughter at a number of high-profile events. Carole, Michael and Pippa at Kate's festive event in 2021

She has also been seen on hand to support her daughter at a  number of high-profile events.

Two years ago, Carole and Michael Middleton made a sombre appearance as they joined senior members of the Royal Family for the Queen's Committal Service. 

And months later, they were seen in high spirits as they arrived at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of King Charles III.

Kate's parents arrived together with Pippa and James to celebrate the historic occasion.

Pippa looked glamorous in a yellow blazer dress by Claire Mischevani and her brother James was smart in a suit and matching yellow waistcoat as they joined the festivities for the royal event.

Kate's mother is also always on hand to support Kate for her annual 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service - a known passion project of the Princess's. 

Other instances have seen the mother and daughter huddled up together at the Royal Ascot - and in the summer of 2022, Kate was seen blowing her parents a kiss as the family attended Wimbledon.

Carole has also extended her experiences as a parent into grandmotherhood.

They were seen in high spirits as they arrived at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of King Charles III

Michael and Carole pictured in the Royal Box on day nine of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships 

Speaking to Good Housekeeping, Carole - who has seven grandchildren in total - said she wants to 'run down the hills, climb the trees and go through the tunnel at the playground'.

'As long as I am able to, that's what I'll be doing,' she revealed. 'I cook with them, I muck around dancing, we go on bike rides.' 

One expert in past has also remarked how William's 'second mum' Carole taught him 'how a loving and supportive family works'.

Kate's mother has provided a 'real sense of normality amid any chaos' for the Prince since he married Kate in 2011, royal biographer Angela Levin told The Sun in 2021.

'[Carole] made him feel secure, comfortable and protected and he didn't have to worry about what he said or be responsible for her emotions,' she claimed.

And it appears it's not just the Waleses - Carole is understood to have had a guiding influence on other royals too. 

Carole has had a hands-on approach with her children. Pictured with Kate as the pair enjoy a troll in 2006

Speaking to People, royal expert Robert Lacey - who has worked as a consultant to the The Crown - said: 'In the past, (young Princess) Elizabeth had a Scottish nanny who was the daughter of a railway signalman and actually slept in her bedroom until she was a teenager.

'She would teach her the habit of unwrapping your presents carefully and then ironing (the wrapping paper) and putting it back in a drawer so you could use it again.

'That sort of contact with ordinary life came through the servants in that generation — and now it's coming through Carole.'

While Palace insiders have said Kate is keen to return to work 'as soon as possible', it won't be back to normal yet for the Princess, with her and Prince William's current focus '100 per cent family first, day job second'.

Kate is known to be close with her mother. Pictured with Carole in London as they shop years ago

It comes following an eventful year for the Middletons. Michael and Carole pictured on the royal balcony during their daughter's wedding

Carole is a very involved grandmother. William and Kate pictured with their children - and Mia Tindall - last year

Kate's mother has provided a 'real sense of normality amid any chaos' for the Prince. Pictured: A family portrait

The royal will not carry out official engagements until after Easter and could undertake any necessary work from her bed, with her return to public duties depending on medical advice closer to the time, MailOnline understands.

Her husband Prince William will take on additional parenting responsibilities and has cleared his diary of official duties as she recovers, only returning to public engagements once she is settled. 

It comes following an eventful year for the Middletons. The Princess of Wales' parents in May sold their Party Pieces business to an Essex ice cream entrepreneur in a rescue deal - after it fell into administration.

The party decorations firm, which was launched by the couple from their kitchen table in 1987, was bought by James Sinclair, who confirmed the purchase on Instagram.

Mr Sinclair, an entrepreneur and a former children's entertainer, also owns Essex-based Rossi Ice Cream, Marsh Farm and and Twizzletops nurseries.

He is also a successful inspirational speaker, lecturing on how to make money from business and property, which will come in handy as he tries to turn Party Pieces around. 

Sources said that the sale had been carried out through what is known as a pre-pack administration, meaning that the firm had appointed insolvency practitioners before it was sold without some of its liabilities. 

The royal will not carry out official engagements until after Easter and could undertake any necessary work from her bed, with her return to public duties depending on medical advice closer to the time, MailOnline understands

Her husband Prince William will take on additional parenting responsibilities and has cleared his diary of official duties as she recovers, only returning to public engagements once she is settled

It came just seven months after Carole launched her party paraphernalia business in the US and used a cardboard cut-out of herself to promote the move.

Will Wright, head of restructuring at financial advisory firm Interpath and joint administrator, said: 'Party Pieces is a well-established brand with a proud British heritage, but like many other companies across the retail space, had been impacted profoundly by the effects of the pandemic and the ensuing restrictions on social gatherings.

'We're pleased to have been able to conclude this transaction which sees the business acquired by James Sinclair. We wish him all the very best for the future.' 

It came just weeks after friends of Carole and Michael revealed the couple were planning to step away from the firm to spend more time 'for family, gardening and travel'.