The Princess of Wales, Catherine, is currently recuperating at the London Clinic after undergoing planned abdominal surgery, according to an announcement from Kensington Palace. The palace confirmed that the surgery, which took place on Tuesday, was successful but revealed limited details about her medical condition. While it is not cancer-related, the seriousness of her condition is evident from the planned duration of her hospital stay, expected to be up to two weeks, with a potential three-month recuperation period.
Despite her full schedule in December and no public indications of her unwellness, the princess is expected to remain absent from royal duties for months. A statement from the palace conveyed her apologies for postponing planned engagements and emphasized that, based on current medical advice, she is unlikely to resume public duties until after Easter.
In line with the customary discretion surrounding senior royals’ health, Kensington Palace opted not to disclose further details about the princess’s condition and asserted that they would not provide a running commentary on her recovery. The palace also indicated that updates would be shared only when significant new information emerges.
The London Clinic, where the princess is currently recuperating, is described as the UK’s largest independent private hospital, located near Regent’s Park in central London. The statement stressed the princess’s desire for her personal medical information to remain private and her hope that the public would understand her wish to maintain normality for her children during this time.
The Prince of Wales, her husband, will not be carrying out any official duties while she is in the hospital. Once discharged, the princess is expected to continue her recovery at home in Windsor, where the royal family currently resides. The family includes their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.
While TV cameras and reporters gathered near the hospital after the announcement, the statement reiterated the princess’s appreciation for the public’s interest and stressed her commitment to keeping her personal medical information confidential. Kensington Palace concluded the statement by announcing the successful surgery and the expected duration of her hospital stay before returning home to continue her recovery. The public is urged to respect the princess’s privacy during this challenging time for the royal family.