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Kensington Palace described Kate Middleton’s recent abdominal surgery as “planned,” but even those closest to the Princess of Wales had no idea about it.
People reported Wednesday that “there had been no indication that anything was wrong” with Middleton, 42, prior to her hospitalization on Jan. 16, with sources saying the news “came as a surprise” to family friends and people who “work closely” with the royals.
The princess was last seen in public on Dec. 25 when she and her husband, Prince William, took their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, to a Christmas church service.
However, the magazine reported that Middleton seemed fine as recently as Jan. 9 when she celebrated her birthday privately with family at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, England.
Just one week later, the palace announced to the world that the future queen had quietly undergone a “successful” operation — which Page Six understands was “major” — and would remain at the London Clinic for 10 to 14 days “before returning home to continue her recovery.”
The Princess of Wales was last seen in public on Christmas when she and her family went to a church service. Zak Hussein / SplashNews.com
Kensington Palace also shared that Middleton is “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter” but declined to disclose more information out of respect for her privacy.
“She is in great hands and will have lots of care and support at home,” a source close to the royal household told People, noting that the princess’ parents, Michael Middleton and Carole Middleton, “will be a reassuring presence when [Kate] goes back to Windsor to recuperate.”
