The Princess of Wales has been photographed for the first time since she underwent major abdominal surgery.

The unauthorised pictures, which were published in the US tabloid media, shows the Princess sitting in the passenger seat of a 4×4 Audi, which her mother Carole Middleton was driving.

Wearing dark sunglasses, the 42-yer-old royal was understood to be on the way back from the daily school run.

The pictures contravene the request from Kensington Palace for privacy whilst Her Royal Highness recovers from her operation.

A royal spokesperson said in mid January that Catherine would be absent from public duties until after the Easter period.

However, this has not stopped overseas tabloids and social media users from posting wild conspiracy theories about her absence.

The Prince of Wales continues to carry out public engagements whilst his wife continues her recovery.