The Kensington Palace announced that Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, 42, underwent a “planned abdominal surgery” at a London clinic.
The surgery was successful, the statement added, and she is expected to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue recovery.
Based on current medical advice, the princess is unlikely to return to her public duties until after Easter on March 31, the statement said.
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate, and 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.”
“Therefore, Kensington Palace will only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’s progress when there is significant new information to share,” the statement added.
“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologize 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.”
After her release from hospital, Princess Kate is expected to recover at her home in Windsor, which she moved to with her husband, Prince William, in 2022 from their previous base in London.
Prince William will also postpone his public duties to support his wife during her recovery as well as care for their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
