PRINCESS Kate was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery, as King Charles' undergoes a prostate operation, confirmed the Palace today.
It is expected Kate will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days following a successful procedure, as the Monarch, 75, postpones public engagements for a short period of recuperation.
The royal mum-of-three was taken to The London Clinic yesterday for a planned abdominal surgery.
It comes as King Charles has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: "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.
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"In guidance: His Majesty 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."
It is understood the Monarch wished to share the details of his treatment to encourage other men to go for checks.
The King had a sting of meetings and events planned at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire tomorrow and Friday, which are now being postponed on his doctor's advice.
Guests set to attend, including foreign dignitaries and members of the Cabinet, have been made aware of the situation.
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Meanwhile, it is understood Prince William was by Kate's side yesterday but could not be there during the operation.
This is also understood to be the Prince's first trip to the hospital for his wife's mystery surgery.
The surgery was not for cancer, it is understood, but Kensington Palace will not speculate on the private medical matter.
Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are all thought to have attended school to make everything 'as normal as possible'.
Sources have only said Kate is "doing well" and that husband William is taking over the school run.
Kate is now expected to miss upcoming events including the BAFTA's on February 18 and St David's Day parade March 1.
It comes as
- Kensington Palace release a statement about Kate's planned surgery
- The mum-of-three will be in hospital for 10 to 14 days following the procedure
- It was revealed the surgery was not for cancer
- Princess Kate hasn't been since in public since Christmas Day
The mum-of-three is also expected to be absent from the St Patrick's Day parade on March 17, and Church on Easter Sunday on March 31.
She may have to sit out of Prince Edward's 60th birthday celebrations on March 10 too.
Police officers are now posted outside the clinic while the Princess recovers.
A statement from the Palace read: “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.”
The Princess was last seen conducting Royal duties with Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.
Kate donned a beaming smile at the crowds as she led her children into the festive service.
She looked sophisticated in a Alexander McQueen royal blue long coat and wore Princess Diana's sapphire and diamond drop earrings.
The mum-of-three has not been seen in public since Christmas Day.
Since news of the shock surgery was shared by the Palace on X, royal fans have been wishing the Princess a speedy recovery.
"Praying for a speedy recovery for Catherine. Absolutely respect her need for privacy, looking forward to seeing her again when she’s better," penned one concerned user.
Another wrote: "Wishing Catherine a full and speedy recovery and completely respect her need for privacy.
"My thoughts and prayers are with her and her whole family."
"14 days is a long stay, hope she’s ok," said another fan.
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"Get well soon and hope Catherine's recovery is smooth," agreed one of many worried well wishers.
Someone else penned: "Thinking of all the family during this sad time for them and the country."
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The Princess is set to miss a string of engagements and events;
- BAFTAs - February 18
- St David's Day parade: March 1
- Prince Edward's 60th Birthday - March 10
- St Patrick's Day Parade - March 17
- Church on Easter Sunday - March 31
What is an enlarged prostate?
The prostate is a small gland found in the pelvis between the penis and the bladder.
If it becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the bladder and the urethra - the tube that urine passes through.
The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
It may affect how you go to the toilet. You might notice you have:
- Difficulty starting to pee
- A frequent need to pee, especially at night
- Problems fully emptying your bladder
- A weak flow
- Dribbling urine after you finish
- A sudden urge to urinate
An enlarged prostate is very common in men over the age of 50.
It is not cancerous, and it is not usually serious, though some men require treatment to lessen their symptoms. This might include medication or surgery.
Most sufferers are also encouraged to drink less alcohol and exercise more.
The exact cause isn't known, but doctors believe it is linked to hormonal changes due to age.
Complications are rare, but include urinary tract infections (UTIs), chronic urinary retention (when you cannot empty your bladder fully), and acute urinary retention (the sudden inability to pass any urine).