17 January 2024 , 15:10
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The Princess of Wales is expected to remain in a private London hospital for up to two weeks after undergoing 'planned abdominal surgery', Kensington Palace has announced.
Kate Middleton, 42, was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for an operation on her stomach and is currently recovering from the 'successful' surgery. The future Queen is expected to remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days and is unlikely to resume public duties until after Easter. Her wish is that her 'personal medical information remains private'.
It is unknown exactly what procedure Kate has undergone but the Palace has confirmed the condition was non-cancerous.
Officials 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 fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery."
What is abdominal surgery?
The abdomen is often called the belly, tummy or stomach and is the front part of the abdominal segment of the torso. It contains many vital organs, including the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, uterus, ovaries, kidneys and bladder. Abdominal surgery is when your abdomen is cut, allowing the surgeon to view your pelvic organs. You may undergo it for a number of reasons.
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According to the NHS, abdominal surgery - also known as laparotomy - can be used either as an exploratory procedure to help diagnose your condition or as a treatment for a health issue. As with all operations, there are risks involved. Benefits include a diagnosis, to repair damage, and to treat a condition.
Why has Princess Kate had surgery?
Kensington Palace has not disclosed any details about Kate's surgery and will not provide any updates on the Princess of Wales' health until there is 'significant new information' to share but confirmed the condition was non-cancerous.
The statement continued: "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 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."