Kate Middleton Undergoes Abdominal Surgery

Kate Middleton

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, who turned 42 earlier this month, underwent a "planned abdominal surgery" at The London Clinic on the previous day.

This was announced by Kensington Palace on Wednesday, Jan. 17,

A statement released by the palace reads: "Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery.

"The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in the hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery," the statement said. "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," the statement continued. "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," they added.

After being discharged from the hospital, Princess Kate is expected to recover at home in Windsor. The Prince and Princess of Wales relocated to Windsor in 2022 from their previous base in London.

Prince William is also understood to be cutting back on public duties to support his wife during her recovery as well as take care of their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. He will not undertake official duties while Princess Kate is in the hospital or during the early days of her home recovery.