Why is Kate Middleton in hospital?

THE Princess of Wales was taken to hospital on January 17, 2024 for a pre-planned abdominal operation.

The future Queen of England is now recovering in the London Clinic, with her husband Prince William by her side.

Why is Kate Middleton in hospital?

Kate Middleton is recovering in hospital following planned abdominal surgery on January 17, 2024.

Kensington Palace announced the news and it's understood the surgery was not related to cancer.

While officials have not revealed the nature of the surgery, a source has said she is doing well.

"The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements."

Kengsinton Palace

Prince William was by his wife's side before and after her operation.

The doting Prince of Wales then visited the London clinic on January 18 as Kate recovered from her procedure.

What do we know about Kate Middleton's abdominal surgery?

Planned abdominal surgery could involve any of the vital or reproductive organs such as the stomach, bowel or womb.

Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams said: “This might be something that has been bothering her for her whole life which she has not got round to resolving or an issue that has come to light more recently.

"Two weeks in hospital is longer than we would normally expect, but she doesn’t have a normal life.

“She’s the future queen so the doctors will be erring on the side of caution.

“We all hope it is something minor and the surgery is straightforward, but precaution is wise.

“With anything medical you can never be completely certain how things will go.

The most important thing is that she gets enough recovery time and it’s not too stressful for her and her family.

Dr Joe Williams

The Royal family has visited the private hospital before, which is one of the go-to healthcare facilities in London for the political elite and Hollywood celebrities.

The exclusive clinic on Devonshire Place in Marylebone opened in 1932 and had previously admitted Prince Phillip and Princess Margaret.

The hospital says it specialises in cancer, women’s health, urology, and orthopaedics.

It also claims to be a specialist in robotic surgery allowing surgeons to perform more complex and safer procedures.

When is Kate Middleton expected to leave hospital?

Kate will now remain at the London Clinic for up to two weeks (from January 17, 2024) and is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.

A statement from 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 hospital for ten to 14 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.

“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes 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.

“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”

Kate was last seen in public on Christmas Day as she, William and their children walked to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.

She looked relaxed and smiling as she spoke to festive well-wishers.

The royal has reportedly cleared her diary until the spring, with Prince William stepping up.

If Kate recuperates according to schedule then her first engagement back could be at the family service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

However, sources have claimed Kate's commitment to her royal duties will see her get back into work as soon as she can.

Insiders told  that as soon as the Princess is discharged from hospital she will work from bed.

Has Kate Middleton had surgery in the past?

Kate had surgery as a child and has a three-inch scar on the left side of her head.

An official statement said that "the scar related to a childhood operation," but said that details of the operation were a private matter.

The Princess was also hospitalised for three days with severe morning sickness in 2012, while she was pregnant with Prince George.

She was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital, which is a private hospital regularly used by the Royal Family.

The royal then went on to suffer again from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) while pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2014 and Prince Louis in 2018.

Because of this, Kate announced her later two pregnancies early, before reaching the crucial 12-week stage.