23 January 2024 , 13:39
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Prince William will probably be "rather bewildered" by the Princess of Wales' 'sudden' admission to hospital for surgery, according to a royal expert.
Kate has now spent a week in hospital being cared for as she recovers from an successful, planned operation at the London Clinic last Tuesday. The 42-year-old princess is expected to remain there for between 10 and 14 days in total. In order to support his wife's recovery as well as take care of their three children, William has also cleared his diary of official visits and meetings and is temporarily stepping back from his royal role.
William was spotted leaving the hospital last week after visiting Kate (Jonathan Buckmaster)And speaking to OK! magazine, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes it will be a particularly testing time for the heir to the throne. She explained: "He'll be feeling emotional, stressed and probably rather bewildered by this sudden turn of events.
"You can have every privilege in life but your health is paramount and beyond your control. William will certainly be there for the children. They want to keep things as normal as possible, so I'd expect William will be doing the school run, helping with homework, cooking and doing the bedtime routine."
Kensington Palace announced news of the princess's surgery last Wednesday, with Buckingham Palace sparking a double royal health scare just 90 minutes later by revealing the King was preparing for treatment for an enlarged prostate. The King has also cancelled engagements ready for his corrective procedure in hospital this week.
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William has cleared his diary to look after their three children (PA)And Jennie added: "This is a testing time for them. The Wales family has been through a lot of trauma recently with deaths, rifts, allegations and a Coronation but they have managed to keep smiling through it all and their popularity has surged. To be hit by this most unexpected hammer blow is a real shock, but I'm sure they'll appreciate the outpouring of goodwill towards Kate and the whole family."
Kate was last week said to be "doing well", with William spending time at her bedside. She is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter. A royal source told The Sunday Times the Waleses have switched to "100 percent family first, day job second". Aides insist the princess will be out of sight over the next few months but is likely to be working behind the scenes.
"Her passion for the early years is clear – there will be a huge continuation of that campaign and she will be keen to be out continuing that conversation with the nation as soon as possible" the source told the newspaper.
Kensington Palace has not revealed further details of the princess’s condition but confirmed it was non-cancerous. A spokesman said: "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."