LONDON, England – The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, has recently undergone planned abdominal surgery and is expected to be in the hospital for up to two weeks, according to Kensington Palace. The 42-year-old princess, wife of Prince William, will take a break from her busy schedule of public and private engagements to focus on her recovery.
The palace provided a statement confirming the successful surgery and stating that the princess is likely to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days before returning home. The statement did not disclose the specific reasons for the surgery but mentioned that she is unlikely to resume public duties until after Easter.
As a result, the princess has expressed her desire to maintain normalcy for her children and keep her personal medical information private. She also apologized for the postponement of upcoming commitments. Additionally, a Kensington Palace source confirmed that the condition is non-cancerous. The princess may need up to three months to recuperate, and her return to full royal duties will depend on future medical advice.
Prince William will also be postponing several engagements to support his wife and care for their three children. He will not undertake official duties while she is in the hospital or during the immediate period following her return home. This development comes at a time when the spotlight on Kate has grown brighter since the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, from their roles as senior royals.
The number of senior royals has been reduced due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III. Controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has also resulted in him stepping back from royal duties. Throughout her royal journey, Kate has dealt with intense media scrutiny, particularly regarding her health during pregnancy, having suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, with all three of her children.
This latest development will undoubtedly impact the royal family’s plans and engagements in the coming months as they prioritize the princess’s recovery.