Kate Middleton Hospitalized After Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

Kate Middleton underwent planned abdominal surgery on Jan. 16 and will remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days before returning home, Kensington Palace announced.

By Jess Cohen Jan 17, 2024 2:35 PMTags
Watch: Kate Middleton Hospitalized Following Abdominal Surgery

Kate Middleton is taking time out of the public eye to focus on her health.

According to a Jan. 17 statement from Kensington Palace, 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 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery," the Palace continued. "Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

And while Kate "appreciates the interest this statement will generate," the royal family member "hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality" for her and Prince Williams' children—Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5—as possible.

Kensington Palace also noted that Kate wants her medical information to remain private and updates will only be shared with the public when "there is significant new information."

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Kate Middleton & Prince William's Best Moments

"The Princess of Wales wishes to apologize to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements," the statement concluded. "She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."

No additional information on her health has been shared at this time.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Kate's hospitalization comes just days after she turned 42, with the help of her family.

King Charles III, Kate's father-in-law, even paid tribute to her on Instagram Jan. 9, writing, "Wishing The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today!"

In fact, according to Vanity Fair, Kate had a "low-key" birthday celebration with her loved ones, featuring a "special birthday tea and a homemade cake." 

Keep reading for more recent news about the royals.

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Kate Middleton Shares Cancer Diagnosis

In a March 22 video message, the Princess of Wales shared that she'd been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

"It was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful," she said before noting that tests after the operation found cancer had been present. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."

Kate Middleton Apologizes for Edited Family Photo Controversy

After photo agencies pulled the picture Kensington Palace shared of Kate since having her abdominal surgery on March 10, the Princess of Wales addressed claims the photo was doctored. 

"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she tweeted on March 11. "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."

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“It’s the joy of my life to be your mummy, little one. I love you unconditionally," she captioned her March 10 Instagram post. "Happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate today."

Queen Camilla Takes a Break

After keeping up her full slate of engagements in the wake of her husband's cancer diagnosis, the palace cleared Camilla's schedule.

The Times pointed out March 2 that the 76-year-old didn't have any engagements on her calendar until March 11, when she'd be due at Westminster Abbey to observe Commonwealth Day.

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The husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor and ex-boyfriend of Pippa Middleton, was found dead Feb. 25. Days later, a coroner's inquest found that he died by suicide.

King Charles Diagnosed With Cancer

While King Charles III was in the hospital for his benign prostate enlargement procedure, the royal family member was diagnosed with cancer.

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," Buckingham Palace said Feb. 5. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."

Sarah Ferguson Is Diagnosed With a Second Type of Cancer

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Kate Middleton Is Hospitalized

Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that Kate Middleton underwent planned abdominal surgery and was set to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days.

"Based on the current medical advice," the Palace said, "she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Prince William Adjusting His Schedule

Amid Kate's recovery, Prince William postponed a number of engagements as he supported his family, including the couple's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

King Charles III Undergoing Treatment

Shortly after Kate's hospitalization was made public, Buckingham Palace shared that Charles "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 statement added. "The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."

Luxembourg Welcomes a New Baby

Princess Claire and Prince Felix of Luxembourg welcomed son Balthazar Felix Karl on Jan. 7, the first royal baby of the New Year!

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