Kensington Palace is playing down conspiracy theories over the whereabouts of the Princess of Wales following her recent abdominal surgery.
Kate Middleton has not been seen in public since Christmas and the revelation she had been admitted for surgery at the London Clinic.
After Prince William cancelled his attendance at an event last minute due to a "personal matter", there has been rampant speculation online something had happened to Kate and the public hadn't been told.
Swathes of conspiracy theories that she was in a coma are being shared online.
However, Kensington Palace has now issued a statement to say she is "doing well" in her recovery.
"Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates," the representative told the New York Post.
"That guidance stands."
UK tabloid The Sun also quoted a representative as saying: "We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant."
The full extent and reason for Kate's surgery has not been revealed.
In the initial statement about her surgery released on January 17, one day after her operation, Kensington Palace said it was Princess Kate's "wish that her personal medical information remains private".
US publication People quoted a source within the Royal household who said Kate's decision to keep out of the spotlight was something "we can all learn from".
"It is sensible to take the time. That is a great example to the rest of us, as you're often told to get back to work as soon as possible, which can be damaging. It is good for all of us to see her taking the time, recovering properly and then coming back. We can all learn from that."
