For the first time since Christmas Day, Kate Middleton has been seen in public — though not through an official royal appearance. On Monday, American outlet TMZ published a photograph of the Princess of Wales, marking her first sighting since undergoing abdominal surgery earlier this year.

The image, which shows Kate wearing sunglasses while seated in the passenger seat of a car, has quickly dominated royal conversation. Yet, notably, no British tabloid chose to run the picture — a decision that reflects both ethical caution and the palace’s continued request for privacy during her recovery.

The timing of the release has fueled new speculation. Just a day earlier, the British Army had listed Kate’s first public engagement since surgery — the Trooping the Colour rehearsal on June 8 — before swiftly removing it. Kensington Palace later clarified it had not approved or been consulted about the listing, adding another layer of confusion to the ongoing royal communications tangle.

Experts Say Kate’s Vulnerability Has Become the Story

Royal commentators were quick to react to the TMZ photo, calling it a rare moment of vulnerability for the princess. Some argued the image’s publication was “the last thing Kate would have wanted,” while others suggested it revealed a “depressing” truth about the pressures surrounding her life and recovery.

Since her planned abdominal surgery on January 16, Kate’s calendar has been completely cleared. No photos emerged as she entered or left the hospital, and even during her family’s private stay at Anmer Hall in Sandringham, the royals managed to avoid the paparazzi.

The sudden leak of this new picture, then, was seen by many royal observers as a breach — and a failure of palace control.

Palace Criticized for “Letting It Snowball”

Royston added that the palace’s strategy — or lack thereof — left Kate exposed.

“They thought they were shielding her by leaving her alone, but being photographed in Windsor on what the Daily Mail says might’ve been the school run? That’s not protection.”

Rumors have swirled that the sighting was staged, though royal biographer Christopher Andersen firmly dismissed that idea.

“She was trying to sneak out of Windsor with her mother and was clearly not pleased to be spotted,” Andersen told Fox News. “This cloak-and-dagger approach only fuels more speculation about what’s really going on with Kate — and with King Charles.”

He also criticized the palace’s vague messaging, noting that while it has insisted “everything is going according to plan,” questions remain about why Kate spent weeks in hospital and has stayed out of sight for months.

“Wouldn’t Have Hurt” Kate to Reassure the Public, Says Royal Author

In the same Fox News interview, Andersen questioned why Kate hasn’t made even a brief public appearance.

“If she’s doing well, she could have stepped outside and smiled for photographers,” he said. “Queen Elizabeth never spent months away from view — and she faced plenty of serious health issues. The mystery around Kate’s surgery only deepens.”

He added that while privacy is understandable, “it wouldn’t have hurt her to pop her head above the parapet every now and then.”

Still, Andersen acknowledged that the experience may have changed Kate’s perspective:

“Her medical problem might’ve given her a new appreciation of what really matters — time with her children. But for someone so skilled at managing the press, her complete disappearance does make one wonder what’s really going on.”

The Bigger Picture: A “Depressing” Glimpse Into Royal Life

Royal commentator Daniela Elser argued that the situation reflects broader issues within the monarchy. Writing for News.com.au, she said the TMZ photo “tells a bigger, sadder story” about control, transparency, and the price of royal life.

“It’s depressing that it looks like Kate felt she had to let her face be seen in public to calm the frenzy,” Elser wrote. “There’s something off-kilter about the internet being able to alter the plan for a future queen’s recovery.”

She also pointed to Prince William’s role, noting that his recent cancellation of engagements for a “personal matter” only intensified speculation.

“The prince helped make the mess — why isn’t he helping clean it up?” Elser asked. “Why has it fallen to Kate, who’s recovering from serious surgery, to dispel a grab bag of theories about where she is and what’s going on?”