Yeah, it became a curiosity for me this week too. I definitely wondered what type of "planned" surgery would require such a lengthy recovery and wondered like anonomom if her being out of the public eye was about her appearance (major abdominal surgery would definitely require no working out and Kate is a very fit/slender person). The 6 weeks of no working post-hospital release seemed consistent with hysterectomy, but not the 2 week hospital stay. Geez these days there seems to be very few procedures where they don't kick you out of the hospital within a few days. Of course I realize a Royal would receive a different standard of care than a general citizen, just like a President would here in the US.
But I agree that her PR team has bumbled this badly. You'd think that the minute it spiraled, especially in light of the King's cancer diagnosis and talk of the working royals diminishing in numbers that they'd want to paint a picture of a healthy vigorous princess, even if she was still recovering at home. That they'd seemingly let them release a pic that William took and Kate edited, makes absolutely no sense. And we know the Royals practically own the British media and tabloids, it would be easy for them to stage/release exactly the types of images they'd want to in order to control the narrative.
Mom to two amazing DDs ('07 & '09) and a fur baby.
Gluten free since Nov '11 after non-celiac gluten sensitive diagnosis. Have had great improvement or total elimination of: migraines, bloating/distention, heartburn, cystic acne, canker sores, bleeding gums, eczema on elbows, dry skin and scalp, muscle cramps, PMS, hair loss, heart palpitations, fatigue. I'm amazed.