Kensington Palace described Kate Middleton’s recent abdominal surgery as “planned,” but even those closest to the Princess of Wales had no idea about it.
People reported Wednesday that “there had been no indication that anything was wrong” with Middleton, 42, prior to her hospitalization on Jan. 16, with sources saying the news “came as a surprise” to family friends as well as people who “work closely” with the royals.
The princess was last seen in public on Dec. 25 when she and her husband, Prince William, took their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, to a Christmas church service.
However, the magazine reported that Middleton seemed fine as recently as Jan. 9 when she celebrated her birthday privately with family at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, England.
Just one week later, the palace announced to the world that the future queen had quietly undergone a “successful” operation — which Pvnew understands was “major” but not related to cancer — and would remain at the London Clinic for 10 to 14 days “before returning home to continue her recovery.”
More must-see royals coverage:
- How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met
- Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship timeline
- Royal family tree and line of succession
Kensington Palace also shared that Middleton is “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter” but declined to disclose more information out of respect for her privacy.
“She is in great hands and will have lots of care and support at home,” a source close to the royal household told People, noting that the princess’ parents, Michael Middleton and Carole Middleton, “will be a reassuring presence when she goes back to Windsor to recuperate.”
A royal insider previously told Pvnew that William, 41, would also postpone his official appearances in order to care for his wife and their kids.
The Prince of Wales, 41, was photographed visiting Kate at the hospital on Jan. 18.
The former Duchess of Cambridge is not the only senior royal family member who is currently down for the count.
Less than two hours after Kate’s hospitalization made headlines, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III will undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate, forcing him to delay his public engagements “for a short period” as well.
Kensington Palace did not immediately respond to Pvnew’s request for comment on People’s report.
