Inside Kate Middleton's health battle amid double scare - long recovery, luxury hospital, son's wish
Britain’s Royal Family has been hit with a double health scare after it was revealed that Kate Middleton is in hospital following abdominal surgery while King Charles is set to have prostate treatment next week.
Announcements about the two royals came within the space of just an hour and a half with future Queen Kate, 42, is expected to stay in hospital for up to two weeks after having a planned procedure at the prestigious London Clinic. Meanwhile Charles, 75, will be admitted to hospital next week for a corrective procedure on an enlarged prostate.
Both the monarch and his daughter-in-law will take a break from royal engagements while they recover from their surgeries. Here’s everything we know so far…
What is wrong with Princess Kate and King Charles?
Understandably, mum-of three Kate wants to keep her medical state private so has not released details of the surgery she underwent. The only details released by Kensington Palace is that it was “abdominal surgery”. However, it is believed her condition was non-cancerous.
Kate during her last public appearance on Christmas Day
King Charles on the other hand has taken the unusual step to share details of his condition. He will undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate. The Palace said Charles’ condition was benign and he would be having a corrective procedure. It is understood that the King was keen to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice.
King Charles with Kate as well as Prince George and Prince Louis
The 75-year-old monarch acceded to the throne just 16 months ago after spending 70 years as the heir to the throne, and was crowned last May in Westminster Abbey.
What has the Royal Family said?
Kensington Palace, the official residence of Prince William and Kate, released its statement first around 2pm today. It read: “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 hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
William and Kate with their three children George, Charlotte and Louis
“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.
“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.”
An hour and a half later, Buckingham Palace – which oversees the King’s business – send out its statement. It read: “In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
Where will Princess Kate and King Charles be treated?
It has been confirmed that Kate’s surgery took place at The London clinic, where she continue to recover until she is discharged in around 10 to 14 days time. It is thought to be the largest private hospital in England and it’s website say it has “teams of experts supported by world-class medical resources”.
Police officers stand guard outside The London Clinic today
It adds: “We invest in the latest technologies and are proud to be part of the community of world-class hospitals that makes London a globally renowned centre for medical care.”
Other royals to be treated at the hospital in Marylebone include the late Prince Philip, who underwent “abdominal investigations” there in 2013. The late Queen’s sister Princess Margaret also underwent a procedure there to remove a benign skin lesion in January 1980.
Police are monitoring doorways into the facility in central London. The Princess of Wales can expect the best treatment available at The London Clinic, a charity since 1935 which operates “as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care.” It is not yet know where Charles’ procedure next week wil take place.
Who will care for Princess Kate and King Charles?
Of course, as members of the Royal Family, both Kate and Charles have some of the country’s best medial professionals making sure they both get the best care possible.
Charles with his wife Queen Camilla
When it comes to Kate, as well as the doctors and nurses, her friends and family will be doing everything they can to make her recovery as smooth as possible. It is understood that Prince William will cancel official duties while his wife is in hospital and during the immediate period following her return home. He will then combine being at Kate’s side with caring for their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Princes Louis, and will scale back some of his engagements during this time.
Kate is also extremely close to her own family, and it’s likely that her parents Carole and Mike Middleton will be on hand to help during her recovery. Her brother James and sister Pippa, who have close ties with the Royal Family since Kate’s wedding to William, are also likely to be a huge support to her in the next few months. Meanwhile, Charles he will no doubt be supported by his beloved wife Queen Camilla.
When we will see Princess Kate and King Charles again?
After undergoing their surgeries, both Charles and Kate will have to spend a period out of the spotlight while they recuperate.
The Princess of Wales is expected to remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days and is set to be away from official duties for up to three months to give her time to recover. She is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter based on current medical advice, Kensington Palace said. Easter this year falls on the last weekend in March.
When it comes to the King, he had a series of meetings and events planned at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire on Thursday and Friday, which are being postponed on his doctor’s advice. Guests, including foreign dignitaries and members of the Cabinet, were due to travel to Scotland and the Palace made the announcement to allow for them to be made aware of the situation.
Buckingham Palace said his public engagements would be postponed for a short period of recuperation, but gave no indication on how long this would be.
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