The News
Royal Health Scare: Princess Catherine and King Charles Hospitalized
Kensington Palace has confirmed that the Princess of Wales, Catherine, underwent planned abdominal surgery at the London Clinic Hospital.
The surgery was successful, and she is expected to stay in the hospital for up to two weeks.
The procedure was not related to cancer, and the Wales family has requested privacy during this time.
In a double health scare for the royal family, King Charles, Catherine's father-in-law, will also be hospitalized next week for a corrective procedure on an enlarged prostate.
Both royals will take a break from their engagements to focus on their recovery, leaving other family members to step in for their duties.
Princess Catherine is anticipated to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days before continuing her recovery at her residence in Windsor, Berkshire, with the support of her family.
Despite the setback, she expressed her regret for postponing upcoming engagements and aims to resume them as soon as possible, emphasizing her dedication to her royal duties and country.
As a devoted member of the royal family, Princess Catherine's absence will be felt in various events, including the upcoming Easter Day celebrations.
She will miss attending the annual BAFTA Awards in London and is unlikely to participate in St. David's Day events in March or the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
Moreover, any planned royal tours with Prince William in the coming months, such as the speculated visit to Italy in March, have been canceled due to Catherine's surgery.
While the palace did not disclose the specifics of her treatment, it is known to be non-cancerous, requiring an extended hospital stay for proper recovery.
Dr. Debra Lee explained the necessity of Catherine's prolonged hospitalization post-surgery, citing factors that influence the duration of stay.
Typically, patients undergoing abdominal surgery stay in the hospital for four to seven days, which can vary based on the procedure's complexity.
The recovery period could extend to two months for the patient to regain normal mobility comfortably.
The royal mum-of-three was last seen publicly during Christmas Day celebrations, exuding elegance in a royal blue coat by Alexander McQueen.
Accompanied by Prince William and their children, she interacted warmly with well-wishers, showcasing her genuine connection with the public.
The family's presence at church was a heartwarming sight, capturing moments of affection between Catherine and her children.
Notably, Kensington Palace shared footage of the royal children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—assisting their mother at a charity event last month, highlighting their involvement in philanthropic endeavors.
Despite the temporary hiatus from official duties, Princess Catherine's commitment to serving her country remains unwavering, reflecting her resilience and dedication to her role within the royal family.