Kate photographed for first time since abdominal surgery

The Princess of Wales has been photographed for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery.

Kate has not been seen since late December, when she was pictured on a Christmas Day walk with other members of the Royal Family in Sandringham, Norfolk.

The 42-year-old future queen was admitted to the London Clinic - the private hospital where the King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate - for a planned operation on 16 January.

Now US celebrity news site TMZ has published a picture of the princess which it says was taken near Windsor Castle on Monday.

Kate wore dark sunglasses and sat in the passenger seat of a black Audi car which was being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton.

The photo is understood to have been taken by unauthorised paparazzi.

Read more: Why has there been speculation about the Princess of Wales's health?

The princess returned home from hospital after 13 days, and Kensington Palace said at the time the princess was "making good progress".

Kate is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.