The royal family is addressing rumors surrounding Kate Middleton's recovery from abdominal surgery, which has been a topic of online speculation recently.

A spokesperson for the princess stated, "We made it clear from the start that Kate would be out until after Easter, and Kensington Palace would only provide updates when something significant occurred."

The spokesperson reiterated that the princess, aged 42, is "doing well."

Following Prince William's unexpected absence from a memorial service for his late godfather on Tuesday, concerns about Princess Kate's well-being spread online, fueling conspiracy theories. However, a palace source confirmed that Kate "continues to be doing well" in her recovery.

In the initial statement released on Jan. 17, one day after the surgery, Kensington Palace stated that Kate wished to keep her personal medical information private. They also shared the expected timeline for her recovery, including a 10 to 14-day hospital stay post-surgery (she left on Jan. 29, 13 days after the procedure) and a continued recovery at home with no return to public duties until after Easter.

"It is sensible to take the time," a source close to the royal household told PEOPLE. "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."

While Kate has been recovering mostly at their home in Windsor, she traveled to Anmer Hall, her and Prince William's home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with their three children during a school break in February.

"Catherine is recovering well," a source told the Daily Mail at the time. "She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William."

Prince William returned to royal duties this month after taking time off to help his wife and keep things normal for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. He has given updates on Kate's recovery, including that she was being cared for by two "amazing and kind" nurses.

Kate's absence from public view is in stark contrast to King Charles, who has faced his own health battles in recent weeks. The monarch, aged 75, underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate in January and revealed his cancer diagnosis on Feb. 5 (his cancer is understood to not be prostate cancer, however). While he has not made public outings, he has been seen going to church with Queen Camilla, sharing statements as he works behind the scenes, and even appearing in a video where he read letters from well-wishers.

Meanwhile, Princess Kate chose discretion.

"The princess 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 palace's initial statement on her surgery said. "Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on her progress when there is significant new information to share."

Kate's surgery comes after a busy December for the royal. On Dec. 5, she attended a morning hospital visit and an evening reception at Buckingham Palace. On Dec. 8, she hosted her third annual Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey, which highlighted her "Shaping Us" early childhood campaign in its first year. Her final appearance before the surgery was on Christmas when she joined members of the royal family for their annual church outing.