'Wonderful to see this photo of Kate!': Social media users share their joy at seeing first picture of the Princess of Wales since surgery - as they wish her a happy Mother's Day

Social media users have shared their joy at seeing the first picture of the Princess of Wales since surgery. 

Princess Kate, 42, was seen beaming with her three children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, in a photo taken by her husband, Prince William. 

Kate has been out of the spotlight since Christmas Day while she recovers from abdominal surgery at home with her family. 

Reacting to the first image publicly released of her, royal fans delighted in Kate's seemingly healthy appearance and wished her a Happy Mother's Day. 

One fan wrote on X: 'Wonderful to see this photograph of the Princess of Wales released for Mother's Day. Perfect timing. Looking forward to her return to public duties when her health permits.' 

Another said: 'I'm so happy we have been treated to such a beautiful picture. This picture means so much more than usual given what they have gone through as a family this year. I hope Catherine has a wonderful day filled with love and joy.' 

Royal fans have shared their joy at seeing the first picture of the Princess of Wales since surgery

Social media users took to X to wish Princess Kate a Happy Mother's Day after the new photos of her was released 

A third royal shared in the joy, writing: 'Happy Mother's Day to the Princess of Wales. Nice to see your recovery.'

A fourth said: 'Thank you for this photo. Wishing Her Royal Highness Princess of Wales a Happy Mother's Day, get well soon.' 

Posting the photo online, Kate wrote: 'Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day.' She signed off the message with a 'C' for Catherine. 

Kate has stepped back from royal duties since she was admitted to The London Clinic for 'planned abdominal surgery' on January 16.

The mother-of-three's absence from royal engagements since the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham has led to huge speculation on social media - but the positive Mother's Day update has been warmly welcomed by royal fans.

Kensington Palace confirmed Kate's surgery was successful and on January 29, she returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be reunited with her children almost two weeks after having the surgery.

Last Monday, she was photographed for the first time since the medical procedure after US gossip website TMZ published pictures of her being driven around Windsor with her mother, Carole Middleton.

Ms Middleton's brother - and Kate's uncle - Gary Goldsmith then revealed on Celebrity Big Brother that her niece was getting the 'best care in the world'.