‘That’s Pippa’: Kate Middleton seen first time after surgery sparks comparisons to sister and Katie Holmes

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton was seen for the first time since her abdominal surgery. She was last seen in December 2023, when she attended church with the royal family. 

Kate Middleton was pictured on March 4, being driven by her mother near Windsor, as per pictures obtained by TMZ.

Kate Middleton was spotted along with her mother 

In the photos, the princess can be seen wearing sunglasses as she sits in the passenger seat next to her mother Carole Middleton in a black Audi 4x4. Kate's hair was styled down while her mother drove the car.

In recent weeks, however, there has been much speculation on the internet about her whereabouts. After the pictures of Kate went viral, she is now being compared to her sister Pippa Middleton and actress Katie Holmes.

Conspiracies around Kate Middleton's whereabouts

The Kate Middleton sighting comes after concerns regarding the Princess' well-being surged across the internet, fueling a wave of conspiracy theories after Prince William pulled out of a scheduled appearance at the last minute. 

However, at that time, a rep for the Princess told US Weekly, “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.”

They added that Kate is continuing to do “well.” Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that the Princess of Wales was recovering from abdominal surgery and would return to royal engagements after Easter, which is on March 31.

Kate Middleton undergoes planned abdominal surgery 

In an Instagram post, the representatives wrote, "The procedure, conducted on January 16, was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery."

Adding, “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter. The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private. Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share."

"The Princess of Wales wishes to apologize to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible,” the statement read. 

Kate Middleton's 'changed' look draws comparisons to Pippa Middleton and Katie Holmes

As soon as Kate's picture after her surgery was out, the Internet compared her changed looks with that of her younger sister Pippa Middleton and actress Katie Holmes. 

A Facebook user wrote, "I'm pretty sure that's not Princess Kate. Looks more like her sister."

Another Facebook user wrote, "New face." The next user commented saying, "That's Pipa Middleton." A user said, "It does. It look like her at all. Face is too round." A user even went on saying, "Doesn't even look like her and when has she ever worn sunglasses when she has been out." 

A user said, "Money says it's her sister lol." Additionally, a user on X even compared Kate to actress Katie Homes. It said, "Are they trying to pass off Katie Holmes as Kate Middleton?"

Not only this, but a user further said, "If you said this was Caitlyn Jenner or Ozzy Osbourne, I would believe you. Kate Middleton? No chance dorlin." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.