The Princess of Wales, Catherine, is recovering from a planned and successful abdominal surgery that will keep her in hospital for up to two weeks, Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III will undergo a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate next week.
Princess of Wales undergoes abdominal surgery
Catherine, 42, the wife of heir to the throne Prince William, was admitted to the London Clinic on Tuesday for a non-cancerous condition that required surgery. The palace did not disclose further details about her condition but said it was not related to her previous pregnancies or any fertility issues.
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 remain private, the statement said.
Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter, the palace added. The Prince of Wales will also postpone several engagements while his wife is recovering.
King to have prostate treatment
Less than two hours after the announcement about Catherine, Buckingham Palace said that King Charles III, 75, who is currently in Scotland, will be admitted to the hospital next week for a corrective procedure for a benign condition.
In common with thousands of men each year, the king has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. The condition causes problems with urination and can affect the quality of life. The palace said the king’s condition is not life-threatening, and he will continue to perform his duties as normal.
The king, who ascended to the throne in May 2023 after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, has appeared to be in good health. He was last seen in public on Christmas Day when the Royal Family attended a church service near his Sandringham home in eastern England.
Royal Family faces health challenges
The news of the health issues of the Princess of Wales and the king comes at a time when the Royal Family is facing several challenges and changes. The king’s coronation, which was planned for June 2023, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the death of his father, Prince Philip, in April 2023.
The king has also faced criticism for his handling of the rift with his younger son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the US. The couple has accused the Royal Family of racism and a lack of support, which the palace has denied.
The Princess of Wales, who became the first commoner to marry an heir to the throne in 2011, has been praised for her modern and relatable approach to royal life. She has championed causes such as mental health, children’s welfare, and environmental issues. She is also popular for her fashion sense and her role as a mother of three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
The public has expressed sympathy and support for the princess and the king on social media and wished them a speedy recovery.
