Kate Middleton’s first post-surgery official duty has been confirmed by the Ministry of Defence as the dress rehearsal of Trooping the Colour on June 8.

As the Colonel of the Irish Guards, Kate will carry out the inspection of the dress rehearsal, ahead of the main event, which will take place on Horse Guards Parade on June 15.

The news comes after speculation surrounding Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales’, health reached fever pitch after Prince William missed a memorial service of a close family friend last week due to an unspecified ‘personal matter.’

In response to the rumours that have begun circulating regarding the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from a ‘planned abdominal surgery’ in January at The London Clinic, a spokesperson has now clarified that there will be no further updates offered to the public.

Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands,’ the spokesperson confirmed in a statement. He reiterated that Kate is ‘doing well.’

The update came just days before Kate was photographed being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, near Windsor Castle, which is where she’s believed to have been recuperating with Prince William and their three children. The photograph is believed to have been taken by unauthorized paparazzi.

Kensington Palace announced on 17 January that Kate underwent a ‘planned abdominal surgery.’

‘The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress,’ Kensington Palace said in a statement released in January. ‘The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided.

‘The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world,’ the statement read.

The statement released by the palace confirmed that the operation was ‘successful’ and stated that Kate would remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days. ‘She will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery,’ the statement said. ‘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,’ the statement continued. ‘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 apologise 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,’ it added.

The London Clinic, near London’s Regent’s Park, describes itself as the UK’s largest independent private hospital.

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