Catherine Princess of Wales hospitalized for abdominal surgery

Princess of Wales to stay in hospital for up to two weeks after abdominal surgery, not expected to resume duties for months.

The Princess of Wales recently underwent abdominal surgery and is expected to remain in the hospital for up to two weeks. The procedure was planned and successful, but she is not anticipated to resume royal duties for several months. The palace did not disclose further details about her condition but stated that it is not cancer-related. Shortly after, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III will also receive treatment for an enlarged prostate, which is benign. He is expected to visit the hospital next week.

In the announcement about Catherine, Kensington Palace said she wished to apologize for postponing planned engagements. Based on current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter. The Prince of Wales will not be carrying out any official duties while his wife is in the hospital or immediately after she is discharged. The palace has disclosed few details about the princess' condition and will not provide a running commentary on her recovery. However, it is clear from the length of time Catherine is expected to stay in the hospital and the tone of the palace's statement that her medical condition is serious.

The surgery took place on Tuesday and was significant enough to keep her in the hospital for up to two weeks, with an expected recuperation period of three months. The princess had a full diary in December, and there was no indication that she was unwell during public appearances. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible. The princess is recuperating at the London Clinic, near Regent's Park in central London, and is expected to recover at home in Windsor once discharged.

In the statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Kensington Palace said, "Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery." In a statement later issued by Buckingham Palace on King Charles' condition, it said his condition is benign and he is having a "corrective procedure". "In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," the Palace said.