Princess Catherine and Prince William Celebrate International Women’s Day with Special Throwback Photos

The Princess of Wales is currently recovering from abdominal surgery

Kate Middleton appeared in several throwback photos to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The Princess of Wales, 42, who is currently recovering from abdominal surgery, was featured in a series of Instagram Stories shared by her and Prince William’s official account on Friday.

“Happy International Women’s Day!” their first Story read. “Celebrating the impact of amazing women today and every day. Here are just a few of the brilliant women we’ve been inspired by over the past 12 months.”

The multiple pictures honoring inspiring women included Princess Kate shaking hands with Sarah Goldson in June 2023 as they celebrated Goldson for directing the Wimbledon Ball Boy and Girl training since the 2012 championships.

“The training helps develop life skills among young people, with 280 BBGs selected from local schools,” the caption read in part

The princess was also pictured walking alongside the founder and CEO of Sebby’s Corner, Bianca Sakol. The pair flashed beaming smiles in the photo from November 2023.

Sebby’s Corner is “a shop-style baby bank which believes no child should go without the basic essentials they need to thrive,” the caption read.

The royal couple also included a photo of the Princess of Wales with Dr. Gubby Ayida, the CEO of Evelina London Children’s Charity, from last December and another snap from last October that featured Princess Kate with Prince William and Professor Uzo Iwobi, the founder of RCC | Race Council Cymru, which works “to promote race, equality, art, heritage and cultural activities for minority ethnic communities across Wales.”

Princess Kate has been recovering from abdominal surgery since January. She was spotted in public for the first time since Christmas on March 4, when she was photographed in a car with her mother, Carole Middleton.

Since the Princess of Wales’ surgery, conspiracy theories have spread across the internet as she took a break from her royal duties to focus on her recovery. The palace released a statement addressing the speculation on Feb. 29.

A spokesperson for Princess Kate said, “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 spokesperson also said the princess is “doing well.”

Princess Kate may be out of the public eye, but she remains on people’s minds. Prince William has regularly received well wishes for his wife during recent public outings.

“She is their MVP, without any doubt,” royal historian Amanda Foreman exclusively tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “She is in so many ways the most like the late Queen [Elizabeth].”

Adds Sally Bedell Smith, a royal biographer, “She’s so central to the monarchy and the future.”