17 January 2024 , 22:51
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Kate Middleton today underwent a successful abdominal surgery that will see her not return to royal duties until Easter.
The Princess of Wales, it was announced by Kensington Palace, underwent the surgery today and will remain in hospital for "ten to 14 days" before returning home. She will remain there, surrounded by loved ones as she continues to recover and it is "unlikely" she'll return to royal duties until after Easter.
Kensington Palace have not revealed the nature of the surgery, but confirmed it wasn’t linked to cancer. This came shortly before it was announced that King Charles would also undergo his own surgery next week. The Mirror’s Royal Editor has explained how the length of the future Queen’s hospital stay shows the seriousness of her surgery.
Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told Express.co.uk about why Kate might be in hospital for so long. She said: "For abdominal surgery, most people stay in the hospital for four to seven days. After laparoscopic surgery [a type of keyhole surgery], this is reduced to two to four days.
"It very much depends on what exactly has been done. If a patient needs to go to ITU, it's likely their hospital stay would be considerably longer. It can take two months or more for the patient to feel comfortable and be able to move around normally afterwards."
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Prince William will not carry out any royal duties during her hospitalisation, or return home. Then he will balance being by Kate’s side and raising their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis.
The usually very active Princess of Wales will have to take a step back for a few months to recover from her surgery (AFP via Getty Images)Kensington Palace said: "Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery.
"Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter. The Princess of Wales 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.
"Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share. The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
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Not even two hours later, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles would undergo a corrective procedure next week as well for an enlarged prostate. The treatment for the benign condition will mean he will postpone his public engagements for a bit, but can continue to meet his constitutional duties.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement about the King: "In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
It is understood Charles wanted to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage other men with similar symptoms to come seek help if the needed it.