Dear readers,
I certainly wasn't expecting this to be my first post of the new year. Today Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales has undergone planned abdominal surgery. A statement read: "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. 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."
A much discussed visit to Italy, which was expected to be William and Kate's first joint overseas trip since becoming Prince and Princess of Wales, will be postponed. Whilst this is incredibly concerning news, I was somewhat relieved to read the Daily Mail's report stating that, "She was not rushed to hospital and her condition was not something that developed over the weekend." They also stress her condition to be "non-cancerous." Additionally, it is heartening to read the Princess is "doing well" after her "successful" surgery.
The statement expressed Kate's desire for privacy and I think it is incumbent upon all of us to respect her wishes. In time, Kate may choose to disclose further information, particularly if it is a condition that effects many in their lifetime. The Telegraph's Victoria Ward writes: "The Telegraph understands that Kensington Palace has not ruled out more details about the Princess's surgery being revealed in due course. Sources noted that it was the Princess's private medical information and so was a matter entirely for her. However it is thought that as and when she is ready to talk about it, she may opt to do so."
Meanwhile Kate will be supported by all her loved ones, the Middleton family live within close distance. Kate is incredibly close to her family and no doubt they will be a key fixture at Adelaide cottage in the coming weeks. The Daily Mail reports "Prince William will combine being by his wife's and children's sides throughout" and "will also postpone a number of engagements as he supports his family and will not undertake official duties while his wife is in hospital or in the immediate period after Kate's return home".
'She will recover at home in Windsor supported by her family. Prince William will be cancelling and postponing a number of engagements.'
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 17, 2024
Sky News royal correspondent @laurabundock has the latest as the Princess of Wales has abdominal surgeryhttps://t.co/SttKKlXk8D
📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/MUFxcrWbau
Just a short while later, Buckingham Palace announced the King will be admitted to hospital next week.
The statement reads: "In common with thousands of men each year, the King 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 King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation." The Guardian reports, "It is understood that the King was keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice."
The King will attend hospital next week for prostate treatment, Buckingham Palace has said.
— Channel 5 News (@5_News) January 17, 2024
It comes after the Palace announced that the Princess of Wales is being treated in hospital after undergoing successful abdominal surgery.@simonvigar5 | #5News pic.twitter.com/QG1SoscbmZ
Speaking from the perspective of someone who is recovering from a difficult bout of illness, I hope both Kate and Charles take the time they need to recover. I know you'll all join me in sending them good wishes, thoughts and prayers. It's going to be a very challenging start to 2024 for the Wales family. I very much hope, after a period of recuperation, this will all be behind Kate and she can look forward to the rest of the year feeling stronger than ever.
Wishing the Princess a safe recovery period. This certainly answers questions about the lack of engagements, and I sincerely hope it ends the negative conversation aimed at her. Just my opinion, of course.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to King Charles also. Hope you are feeling better Charlotte.
Well said, Tedi. Wishing them both well.
DeleteI also wonder if this has been an ongoing health issue for some time which would explain her lack of engagements compared to other members of the royal family. Like other commenters here I have been disappointed by Kate’s light schedule since becoming Princess of Wales, but it just goes to show you never know what’s going on in someone’s private life.
DeleteDitto!! xoxo
DeleteI agree Tedi, the negative conversation has been a distraction. I have wondered where she is, but when there wasn't a photo on her birthday, my wondering became concern that there was more to the story. This was not the news we wanted to hear. Sincerely hope that Kate takes the recovery time needed. At times like these you need your family to rally around you. Sending prayers and good wishes to the entire Wales family!
DeleteNicely said Tedi, wishing everyone well. 🙏🏻💛
DeleteJoanne in CA
I also am wondering if the condition accounts for the few holiday events.
DeleteThis was a shock so I hope her recovery goes well. William is very lucky to be able to take time off to support his wife and kids. I don't disagree with his decision but most don't have that luxury. Maybe greater awareness of the perks of his position will be reflected in a renewed commitment to his work when the family are ready. I hope you also feel better Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteWilliam is very grounded and well aware of the perks and stressors of his birth right. His life is very much 9-5. Dare any of us really trade our lot for theirs? Proud of both of them and pray they are able to create a bubble that contains positivity and healing.
DeleteThe above was intended to say, "very much not 9-5". My apologies.
DeleteI agree, William is very grounded but I think his mother's death meant that he grew up with a strong awareness of the downsides of being royal. I think that may have naturally made him less focused on the privileges. He certainly doesn't seem to have felt any urgency to prove himself as a royal (he's in his 40s but has never come close to completing as many engagements as other family members decades older than him). Anyway, I'm going off topic here, today the focus should be on poor Kate. Such a long hospital stay and recovery period is a concern and so out-of-the-blue for somebody who appeared to be so fit and healthy. I've missed watching her these last few months and will do over the next few too. Here's hoping she all goes well for her now.
DeleteWell said Anon 21:34 & I completely agree! xoxo
DeleteI think many among us often forget that even thought they are "Royals", they are also people like the rest of us, who become ill and need to recover. perhaps this health issue has contributed to fewer engagement by Catherine recently and is perfectly understandable and relatable. Prayers for the Princess and the King, for speedy and full recoveries.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it sounds quite serious. I hope for a quick and full recovery for the Princess and also the same for you, Charlotte. All the best for you regarding your health and otherwise.
ReplyDeleteG.
Hello Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you knew ,and if so might help me in my ignorance, the address to send a get well card as we call them in the states to the princess?
Kind regards
A. H.
As I posted earlier, I think this surgery may explain the recent paucity of engagements about which some people have been complaining. The Princess may have been struggling with a painful, or at least limiting, condition that made it difficult for her for her to carry out a full schedule of engagement. I know we all hope she enjoys a speedy recovery. Surgery is no fun at all.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like there was something bothersome that build up -- maybe that's why she wasn't out much in Nov/Dec. Very good that the surgery is over and the condition is benign. That's a huge relief I'm sure. I think a non-royal would not get to stay in the hospital so long -- that means to me that it is not as serious as if my neighbor or relative had to stay that long. I think William could continue to work with the nanny, school, the Middletons, her sister, and her brother available to pitch in but.... I HOPE his action does not reflect any seriousness of her condition. I suspect and hope she is just being cautious and wants to rehab out of the public eye. Can't blame her!!!
ReplyDeleteAs we do not know the condition, we cannot conclude that an extended stay only applies to a "royal." Kate has been keen not to have lengthy hospital stays. As a patient advocate by trade, no situation is exactly like another's and it is detrimental to the patient to conclude otherwise.
DeleteBut isn’t being in the hospital more of a security risk? And a disruption to other patients if tabloid reporters and paparazzi are lurking? Royals have easier access to professional caregivers at home than the average person. I just hope it isn’t serious! So far it seems like the press is honoring her wish to have privacy like she deserves.
DeleteIt would not surprise me if a whole floor or contained area of the hospital has been shut down just for Kate to protect her privacy and prevent other patients from being disturbed. It’s a high-end private hospital so I imagine they can accommodate VIPs. I am surprised she will be away from her children that long, however.
DeleteHi Alison I ain't a royal but I had abdominal surgery and stayed in hospital ten days..
DeleteAllison, I agree with you. A regular person wouldn't get to stay in hospital as long.
DeleteMelissa, Thank you for sharing that. Then it is seeming reasonable for her to be hospitalized for that interval. There are laparoscopic abdominal procedures for which people are discharged after 1 day, and I don't agree with that policy, but for other abdominal surgery, I think it's great to remain in hospital for much longer. I imagine she'll have daily checkups and this keeps her from having to come back in.
DeleteWell said Melissa. We don't know what is going on because it is private medical business, which The Princess of Wales has asked for. Who in their right mind would want to stay in hospital for longer than they have to. Especially when you have the world's media outside your door. Then you have police officers standing outside the door 24 hours a day and a would imagine a ring of steel around the hospital as well. Her whole life revolves around her children. She would not want to be away from them unless it was she had to. Let alone cause them any worries or distress. My own experience of surgery and hospital was, I was in theatre for twice as long as my Dr told me, then he tried to extend my hospital stay from 2 days to a week. S.🙂.
DeleteAnonymous 22:23, it’s not just a security risk, it’s a much greater risk of post-surgical infection. She’s not staying so long in hospital because she’s pampered. I’m sure she’d rather be at home.
DeleteWishing Catherine a speedy recovery. I hope the rather lengthy stay in the hospital is more telling of an abundance of caution than seriousness of the situation. I hope their family will cope well.
ReplyDeleteThis certainly explains much. I am sorry for being annoyed at Kate's lack of engagements if it was in any way related to her health issues. I wish the palace had released that earlier to end speculation about work ethics when in fact there was probably more serious health concern.
Take care everyone. Hoping to see good news soon.
Ella
I don’t think that KP should have released information that Catherine was experiencing some health issues. That would just have ramped up speculation and infringed on her medical privacy.
DeleteHi Ella, it's not just the people who comment on here were questioning The Princess of Wales work load. Some of the media were as well. It is okay to ask a question. The most important thing now is that it's not serious and she makes a full recovery. I'm sure that is something we will all agree on. S.🙂.
DeleteThis really emphasizes the adage "we never really know what's going on behind closed doors". I hope we all can use this time to remind ourselves, to cut one another some slack. Even those in the public eye.
DeleteI sincerely wish K well and hope she takes the time needed to make a good recovery. I also (but could be wrong) think the timing is designed to minimize the impact to the children, by scheduling after they return to school so their day will be more like their usual routine. I’m sure they must be missing her very much. - celticgirl
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte! Yes, we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. It wasn’t all that long ago that she was supporting her brother through a critical time, alongside their family, for debilitating depression. And when she first disclosed the hospital stay during the early stages of her first pregnancy, some radio hosts played a prank on a nurse that worked in the hospital. That nurse was mortified giving out private information and committed suicide. I think it’s a very good lesson for all of us to refrain from so much judgement. I’m glad that she has steadfast support from William and her family. They do not have an easy job, regardless of his “little” we see them. I put that in parentheses, since it’s a common complaint. I personally just appreciate every time we get to see them and learn about their visits! Sue from IL
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree.
DeleteAgree, Ali
DeleteI'm less worried about a sudden (planned, but still probably fairly urgent) surgery than I am about the predicted10-14 days in hospital. Most of the abdominal surgeries I can think of (I am certainly not a doctor, but my job of 20+ years requires reading and analyzing inpatient stays, both emergent and elective), require less than or only a week's stay, then recovery at home with skilled home health care, the best of which would certainly be available to her. I hope she's home sooner than later. My thoughts are certainly with our beloved Princess and family.
ReplyDeleteMy mom had abdominal surgery for benign tumours that was a two week stay minimum. It’s called whipple surgery if you’re interested to look into how severe it is for the procedure and recovery
DeleteTwo weeks in the hospital is a VERY serious issue. I have had many surgeries and abdominal surgery twice. Both times I was only in the hospital at most a week but they both took a year to recover and get back to just light exercise. Abdominal surgeries are the most difficult that I have experienced. Kate's sounds even more serious than mine. Praying all goes well! And people give her grace. Even if all the "work" she ever did again was raise 3 kind, compassionate children who will serve their country and people, then she has done beyond an amazing job. The value of motherhood can have a multi- generational impact that multiples tremendously. Hope she takes the time she needs to fully heal and this doesn't become a lifeling problem.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katie!!!!!!
DeleteWishing the Princess all the best as she recovers. It’s never easy as a mom to allow yourself to take that time. Even with all the help she has, we know how much she loves to be hands-on, doing things with and for her children. It is also my sincere hope that people will trust that whatever time is being taken by Catherine and William is needed and will refrain from negative commentary on the amount of time away and/or lack of engagements. It makes me so sad to think that she was being criticized when she could very well have been dealing with health issues. You never know what a person is going through- even someone who you think has it all. I just wish her all the best at this time. And Charlotte, I am wishing you well, too!
ReplyDeleteKim in Saratoga Springs, NY
It does seem like a very long stay in hospital for such a young health Woman. I hope she is doing well now. It is reassuring that the palace said her operation went well. I was looking forward to seeing the Royal couple meeting the Pope. Hopefully they will be able to later in the year. I hope the children aren't too worried about their Mom being in hospital. I too would like to wish her a speedy recovery. Charlotte, I was sorry to hear that you haven't been well also. I hope you are feeling better now and the year ahead will be better for you. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for this informative & respectful post. My prayers are with Kate & her whole extended family, especially William & the children. I hope people take note & respect her request for privacy during this time of healing!
ReplyDeleteI think I mentioned that I had neurosurgery for a benign brain tumor. The tumor was benign, but it's location & the 9.5hrs they were in there, was not. I was initially told it would involve a 2 month full recovery, however I woke needing to learn to walk & talk again.
I spent over a month in a world-renowned (where Jamie Fox & other celebrities have been) rehabilitation hospital & had 8 months of all day rehab at one of their suburban facilities, enabling me to live at home. I was So Blessed (not just to be alive) but that this all happened during "the lockdown", thus making it easier to maintain my privacy. However, my husband was inundated with requests for information. Everyone was expecting me to be up & about, so me going MIA was obviously noticed, especially when things opened up again.
The experts stressed that my gut feeling of wanting to be left alone, to recover & process all of what was happening to me, was not only natural but advised. I needed any & all energy to focus on the task at hand, healing.... especially with a brain injury (which is what things were labeled as, because of the effects of the surgery on my brain).
It's been 3yrs now & the experience definitely changed me & my life. I have been able to return to my work in the film industry & am still "technically" included on multiple projects, but it's been all up to me, with how much I want to be involved.
You can't go through a major health experience & not have it change you & your life.... at least your perspectives & priorities. I imagine Kate will need this time to figure things out, with regards to how she moves forward from this, as a public figure.... not to mention whatever health implications there might be, for her to factor into her life.
For me, I've had the last years to re-evaluate what I wanted to do with my career & who I wanted to be as a person, going forward. I am actually in transition & consultation, about making a lateral move, to another aspect of our industry.
Healing is so important for the body & the soul. In order to do that properly, one needs time & I hope Kate gets the time & privacy that she needs. xoxo
Very sorry to hear of your medical challenges. Deep abdominal surgery is among the most difficult to recover. Likewise, it can be very painful and limiting. It is highly invasive and deep tissue takes longer to heal and is subject to damage from even the slightest activities. There are no pins, screws, plates, casts or other means to aide in healing.
DeleteBecca, Thank you for sharing your story. I’m glad you are okay and healing.
DeleteThank you Becca for sharing so much of your personal life and your very wise words about recovery that is needed, after an extremely serious health issue. Your experience has enabled you to have so much compassion and understanding about what others might be experiencing, to include Kate. I wish you well as you further transition along your life's path.
DeleteThank you Becca!
DeleteBecca, I'm so glad you're now OK. That must have been so difficult. It reminds us that sometimes the surgery pales next to the recovery.
DeleteAnon 2:40. Absolutely agree! I had major abdominal surgery, (12 inch incision) last summer. Even after I went home it was a major ordeal to move, much less get myself out of bed.
DeleteIt was several weeks before I could move comfortably. The healing incision pulled and needed to be massaged to keep the skin flexible. And 3 months before it didn’t ache internally.
Then there is the fatigue from hours of anesthesia (4 1/2-5 hours for me) and the shock to your body from being sliced open, innards moved and removed, and the blood loss.
Unfortunately, there are still operations needed that are more invasive with more body trauma and healing than the laparoscopy surgeries now available for many conditions.
Everyone's medical experience is different but I have learned a lot about the aftermath of "abdominal surgery." I had not thought at all about how long it takes for healing to be about to move comfortably. It is so informative to have everyone's input. I can totally see why she is not putting an expectation of return until after Easter -- she may be better before then, but this way she can relax.
DeleteI think what generates some negative remarks is that, sadly, medical care is not available on an equal level in the UK, the US, or around the world. But that is how things are, and it's pointless to expect the RF and politicians and wealthy people to not take advantage of the care we should all receive. And her job is to be in the public, so she needs to be feeling fit! :)
I don’t know about hospitals in the UK but a 10-14 day hospital stay would indeed signal something serious. Anything less so you are pretty much in and out either overnight or at the most 2-3 days.
ReplyDeleteHoping for a speedy recovery! Easter feels so far away, but it’s actually not this year!
ReplyDeleteSomeone commented on Twitter that maybe the palace was stating an extra long hospital stay just in case there were complications. Better to leave healthy ahead of schedule/predicted than have to come back and raise questions and concern.
We love you Catherine, get well soon. ❤ May everything go and end well and the family remain strong through the upheaval.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for her recovery and I pray her privacy is respected some news organizations are saying it is likely a hysterectomy but whatever it is her privacy should be respected it is obviously a serious operation if she is in there for 14 days and needs this long to recover. Praying for her.
ReplyDeleteThis is an exceptionally long hospital stay for anything other than complicated surgery. She has a perfect right to say as much or as little as she wants about her health. William curtailing all his engagements make her health issues seem dire, or maybe just a preemptive strike against the maniac tabloids who will attack him. Hope she will regain her health and return to a full life.
ReplyDeleteKaren in Virginia
Karen, so beautifully said!
DeleteI was also shocked to read this news this morning! The the King's news! I wondered "Did they all just have doctor's appointments on the same day?! ; ) I wish them both a speedy recovery. 10-14 days does seem like a pretty long time, I hope it goes well and the princess takes the time she needs to recuperate.
ReplyDeleteWishing best of luck in recovery to Catherine. Easter seems far off but it will be a timeline to look forward to. As others speculate, I will add that 10-14 days in hospital for her abdominal surgery is the proposed time, but perhaps that is the outset rather than actual. The timeframe does seem excessive for general surgery, but has anyone considered organ failure or transplant. That would put the 10-14 days back into perspective. Not a nurse but the most prominent transplant surgery is kidney, with fam being best match; in that vein, has anyone spotted any of her fam out and about? Might also explain the lack of visibility on her engagements the past 2 months or so. But just speculation. Catherine is entitled to her privacy and we should respect that. Missouri Girl
ReplyDeleteAnon 02:02, I did go there with my thinking..... but I hope this new sport of speculation eventually wanes, as the world moves on to something else. But we will of course keep Kate in our thoughts & prayers for the fullness of this time of healing.
DeleteFor heaven's sake, if Kate needed an organ transplant she wouldn't have been out and about looking healthy at Christmas. This is taking speculation into the realms of the bizarre.
DeleteAs a UK resident I can tell you 10-14 days in hospital after a kidney transplant is not the norm. It’s usually 4-5 days. yep, as unbelievable as it seems. Close family had a kidney transplant just a few weeks ago and we were horrified when he was sent home 5 days later. He has complex health issues along side the kidney failure. Whatever the reason for the required surgery I wish the Princess of Wales a smooth and full recovery.
DeleteBefore everyone panics , remember that your abdomen is your core. Depending on the surgical incision , the abdomen needs more time to be monitored and heal well enough for the person to be released go home. She may have to lie down for a few days and not be allowed to sit up. Prince William is putting his family first , it’s a great choice to see. he belongs at her side and with his children and has the ability to do it .
ReplyDeleteAs for His Majesty, an enlarged prostrate is very common for a man his age. Surgical procedures are a godsend. My husband had what his urologist called the largest prostate he had ever seen. This coming from a doctor who has practiced and does surgeries for 16 years. The King , like my husband , will feel much better. Many of those procedures are what we call day surgeries where the patient can come home the same day.
Wishing the Princess a speedy recovery. Get well soon x
ReplyDeleteIt sounds very serious, two weeks hospital stay and 3 months recovery is no minor operation. She must have had strong symptoms for a while, that warrant such a heavy procedure. I hope everything goes well.
ReplyDeleteI wish her a very speedy recovery . I like others hope the 10-14 day stay in hospital is KP being over cautious. I’m concerned that it maybe serious if that amount of time is necessary . In addition if it was planned why not go in when the children went back to school last week ? Also why were engagements booked in for them both if the operation was planned ? Kate wouldn’t have had to wait on a waiting list for the operation
ReplyDeleteGEM
This is why I feel like it wasn't necessarily an emergency, but it wasn't something they knew about for very long. Why else would you schedule engagements? -AZ
DeleteThe Wales may have planned engagements based on Kate's health status at the time. My guess as a health care professional is that her health symptoms worsened and surgery was scheduled. The question is valid, but patients status frequently changes.
DeletePlanned just means that she wasn’t rushed directly into surgery from the Emergency Department.
DeleteWhatI think is very telling is the official trip that was planned to Italy that had to be cancelled/postponed. You don't plan something like that if you expect major surgery. It must have been relatively sudden.
DeleteKP’s announcement was going to invite speculations since it lack specificity, unlike the King’s health announcement. I think it’s fine and am not going to speculate. Figure it’s good for Kate to take a breather, recuperate, and take the time to get healthy physically and mentally.
ReplyDelete2024 has started off rough for the world. Hope things will improve quickly. We can all use a bit of goodness and good news these days.
Thank you for the post, Charlotte. I had been worrying about both Kate and you. I hope you feel better now. Kate is and will be in my thoughts and prayers, as well as William and the kids. It must be very difficult for them all. Zora from Prague
ReplyDeleteI don’t think anyone should feel bad about questioning Kate’s workload. It is not as if this year or the last couple of years wear outliers. If she has been suffering for a longer period, you clearly couldn’t tell by a drop in engagement numbers.
ReplyDeleteI wish her a speedy recovery and that she can get home at the earliest date. I hope she doesn’t ever feel pressured to open up about this situation. It’s up to her and only her what is comfortable with sharing. In the end, what exactly does anyone win buy knowing? If she feels the need to raise awareness she could also just incorporate a fitting charity into her roster. She can do much good even without revealing private information.
C.
I simply hate to see so many of you attacking each other in the comments. Please let's all take a moment before hitting 'send'.
ReplyDeleteLet's keep the post on topic. With the exception of a very small number of trolls, I know each one of you wishes Kate and the monarchy as a whole nothing but the best. This is not an opportunity for score settling.
I've also received a number of messages from incredibly worried fans. Palace aides have been privately confirming it's non-cancerous. I can confirm that 100%. From conversations I've had this morning with a number of people I trust, I understand this is very much routine. 'Abdominal surgery' covers a plethora of possibilities, many of which require a lengthy convalescence afterwards. Kate's doctors will be taking every precaution and allowing for all eventualities.
Kate is an incredibly fit and active woman. With the proper medical care and rest, I have no doubt she's going to be absolutely fine. On that note, William has just left the hospital following a visit, and the sense is the Princess is doing very well after surgery. I'll keep you all updated on any developments.
May I also take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience and kind wishes. I'm so sorry if I didn't get a chance to get back to you privately yet. Seeing the reaction from so many and hearing from those like Becca who bravely shared their personal stories only strengthens my belief in how important the community here is.
Thank you Charlotte for stepping in. You have created such a wonderful community here, that has only grown & deepened over the years. This has reminded me of when sibling squabble & Mom has to step in & say "Cut it out!". lol :)
DeleteThank you for your comment, about what I shared. I truly hope you are doing your own healing, both physically & mentally. Having health issues (temporary or otherwise) that effect our rhythm of life, do take adjustments. We are so grateful, for the gift which you have given us, which is this blog & this community! xoxo
I think Kate wants to be as recovered as she can be before leaving the hospital. That said, I'm learning from posters that abdominal surgery does take a long time to heal. She will need time to heal before she can move comfortably at engagements, so I don't think it means her condition is dangerously serious. I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't do some zoom meetings within a month.
DeleteI'm very glad you're feeling better, charlotte. You are missed when you go mia!
DeleteWell said Charlotte but should you really have to again. There is a lot to be said for "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" I wasn't happy with some of the recent comments on here about her workload but I fully respect that people are entitled to their opinion and have ever right to express it. Sometimes it gets very personal which isn't good. Some of the comments I have read in the papers were absolutely vile., turned my stomach. I had to stop reading them. I honestly believe that 99% of those who post such things would never say it to the person's face. The world would be a much better place if people just showed a little more kindness and empathy for others. S.🙂.
DeleteS, the papers (and Twitter) are indeed unbelievable! As a #1 fan of H&M, I see so much that is vile and just crazy. So every now and then I peek at what is said about K&W, and I am dumbfounded as to how anyone could even make up such things. And how anyone could believe them is beyond me --- but we seem to have the same issues in the US with facts! :)
DeleteAlison, I only wish Prince Harry and his wife the very best with their new life in America. Unfortunately there's a split in the family now. Some elements of the press and a certain type of person on social media will use this to spread hatred and try cause more confusion between them. Nothing new there. It was the very same when the former Prince and Princess of Wales separated. S.🙂.
DeleteAllison, hear hear. It’s just ridiculous! Sue from IL
DeleteI wish the princess of wales a speedy recovery and what ever she has does not effect her quality of life in the long run. As a medical student I have been thinking about abdominal surgeries and most of them don’t require more than a 3 day hospital stay. This is obviously very series and I hope the 10-14 days is out of an abundance of caution and not anything else.
ReplyDeleteI would like to add my thought about William taking time off to be with his family. I'm a bit of a germophobe, and I'm wondering if William is taking precautions so that he doesn't bring home any illnesses while Kate is recovering. By curtailing engagements, William is not shaking hands and talking closely with hundreds of strangers, especially during this time of year when flu, RSV, and Covid are all spreading. I had abdominal surgery years ago, and even something as simple as a light cough or sneeze caused discomfort. Kate's recovery would be much longer and more difficult if she had to fight off a respiratory illness, even a minor cold. Even if the Wales children are in school, they are around the same children daily, and most parents keep their kids home if the children are sick. Being up close and personal with strangers would pose a higher risk. Just a thought. Wishing Kate a speedy recovery and perfect health in the future.
ReplyDeleteReally good point! Especially during the winter with so many illnesses going around. I have heard many doctors advise this when one family member has serious health issues.
DeleteI didn't think of that but it does sound plausible.
DeleteI wish her nothing but a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteI initially didn't realize that two weeks in the hospital were such a big deal - I haven't been hospitalized other than giving birth, so reading the comments was very illuminating. I hope everything goes smoothly with the recovery as she is a very active person from all I hear and it'd probably be painful for her to have such long recovery ahead of her.
Hope you get better soon too Charlotte, thank you for covering this! I was wondering what your two cents about this would be.
i think we may be forgetting that RF of course receives the best care. As do all "important" people. It's silly to think otherwise. She does not have to worry about insurance or sick leave time. I'm stating this just as a matter of fact because the time recovering seems so long. So taking a number of months off does not mean anything other than wanting to be sure she has sufficient time to return in 100% form. She may very well return earlier, but it would have been alarming to schedule an earlier return and then have to delay. I agree that she should be just fine.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the pitfall of hero worship. On the one hand people and media subscribe unrealistic portrayal of their hero while imbuing that heroic image with each person’s personal take and experience. In the process, Kate herself gets lost with what gets put out for public consumption. That’s per the royal agreement. On the other hand, the royals get special treatments and are above common laws so their treatment is different from the common people. It’s bonkers, for example, that immediately after giving birth, these royal women must be picture perfect posing for the press. (IMO, if it was the men giving birth, this nonsense would be shut down in a heartbeat.) Kate’s hospital stay of 2 weeks doesn’t necessarily mean the situation is grim like it’d be for the rest of us (under NHS, Canadian Medicare, or the bazillions US health plans for example).
ReplyDeleteI take heart that she has the best healthcare in the nation. I worry about her mental health and have been for sometime now. Despite the BRF’s championing the cause, the institution is unforgiving and antiquated when it comes to caring for their own. You see this failure throughout modern history. There have been changes with Kate and the strain more noticeable last year to me. Being a royal means great expectation, great perks, and great wealth, but also there’s no privacy and, frankly, lpersonal dignity (not the superficial bowing and titles). That’s the weird duality of it all.
While Kate is recovering, I’m enjoying the quiet by reading The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. It’s a 1000 year old tale about a prince but its themes are still relevant in modern times. It’s a book I highly recommend for royal followers. It portrays human nature with an insightful eye. Plus you get to learn a great deal about history and court life of a different culture.
Be well everyone.
I am worried about this news. it sounds very serious. I've had abdominal operations myself and the biggest one left me in the hospital for 6 days. That was also a very difficult time. When you consider that Catherine can have the best medical care at home, the long stay in the hospital sounds serious. I'm ashamed of the pictures of William today. They asked about privacy and as often when you see him in private shots he looks worried but also annoyed in the car outside the hospital. The press should leave them both alone. Nobody deserves to be filmed in times like this. I wish the whole family peace and recovery, that's what you need to heal and not headlines. the press should be ashamed
ReplyDeleteAbdominal surgery is major surgery and can take months for a full recovery. If she really is back to engagements right after Easter (which is early this year), that's actually a fast recovery. One thing that is sad--she is probably not going to be able to pick up Louis anymore! I remember having some health problems when my son was 5 that precluded my picking him up again before he grew too big--that is sad for a parent! And this must be a very scary time for the children. Having your mother be ill is scary even when you're an adult. Sending our best to her, her family, and to you, Charlotte, for doing such a good job with this blog!
ReplyDeleteI don't think any of us is in a position to speculate on the Princess's medical condition, or to second-guess the decisions of her medical team. Whatever questions the Palace statement raises -- and I agree, it does raise questions -- we need to exercise some patience and wait until the Princess herself feels comfortable releasing more information -- if she ever does. She is actually not obligated to tell the world anything at all, unless her condition threatens permanently to curtail her ability to carry out the duties of a wife to the heir to the throne, as Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Merit's has done.
ReplyDeleteI am content to take a wait-and-see position. I don't believe the UK or royals fans will be the worse for the absence of the Princess from the public eye as she fully recuperates.
I wish the Princess a speedy and full recovery. Prayers for her.
ReplyDeleteI had abdominal surgery 6 years ago. I was in hospital for 13 nights and it took me 3 months to get back on my feet. Mine was a planned operation. A serious problem had been discovered suddenly, little warning, hence in hospital asap.
That sounds very serious! Glad it is in the past for you! Sounds similar to Kate's. Hope you are fully recovered now.
DeleteI had very serious abdominal sugery twice but was only in the hospital 1 week max. It took me a year before I could go on just a short walk so I can just imagine the hardship you endured.
Thank you yes, much better now. I could not have done the recovery without the help of my daughter at home. I hope the same for you as well. I can understand fully, the walking aspect, it takes time and strength to get back to pre surgery.
DeleteDear Charlotte, I missed you and am glad you were able to post today. Get well soon! May the Princess of Wales and the King recover their full health too. I had serious abdominal surgery once, and I was in the hospital over two weeks. Then I had a full hysterectomy and was in the hospital only 3 days. You just never know and cannot judge even your own situation beforehand, let alone a public figure whose life behind the scenes is completely unknown.
ReplyDeleteCatherine is so active, I am sure she will want to go home as soon as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her lovely family.
ReplyDeleteDear Charlotte, sending you wishes for wellness! I hope you are ble to prioritize your health and well-being and take the time you need, too. I appreciate all you do for those of us who find so much delight and comfort in your work. I hope you experience more positive interactions than the negative ones, I hope those who use your good hard work and intentions for their own negativity are in the minority. I also hope for Kate to return to full health and overcome
ReplyDeletewhatever challenges come her way, she should take all the time necessary to do so. Luckily, she does does seem to have a strong, loving and supportive family network, including William. Please take good care of you! We appreciate you!
Sorry to hear about your difficult illness, Charlotte! Thanks for keeping up with this site despite your own issues. Praying you have a full recovery!
ReplyDeleteWe had the flu go through our house (not me thankfully so I could care for the sick ones:)) and have 2 family members having minor surgery two weeks in a row so we are trying to look at the bright side of hunkering down in a warm house while it's snowy and blustery outside. Lots of homemade soups, tea, good books, movies, & family games.
Happy winter everyone!
I'm sending good thought to Eugenie's mom, Sarah, as they discover melanoma months after her breast cancer diagnosis. Fair-skinned people need to be so careful with sun exposure, which is hard for people who like to be outside.
ReplyDeleteI'll join you in that Allison. Poor Sarah Duchess of York. She really is getting a run of it at the moment. Unfortunately for her, her family have been dealing with a lot of issues and stress these last few years. A very difficult start to the new year for all the York family. I wish her healing and good health. S.🙂.
DeleteWishing you a nice recovery Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteHugs and Love!!
I missed that you are unwell. Charlotte wishing you better health and a speedy recovery.
DeleteHeartfelt thanks for the very kind wishes.
ReplyDeleteThere's been no further update on the Princess yet, I'll let you all know the moment we hear anything official.
Angela Levin was on television running her mouth today.
DeleteI wish a full recovery to the Princess 🙏 hope you are fine Charlotte. Me too at home we had flu : my husband, daughter from 1 year and me. I was wondering if princess kate seems to have endometriosis. I do endometriosis and it’s so difficult to recovery after an opération
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Catherine, Princess of Wales and King Charles will be discharged from the hospital this weekend. I may be incorrect, but the announcement they both had health issues was made on the same day, and I suspect it was purposeful to take attention off each individual situation.
ReplyDeleteAlso, being discharged on the weekend may give each of them additional privacy over a M - F end of hospital stay.
Wishing them both a healthy path on their recovery from surgery.
Another terrible guess on my part. I bet Catherine is glad to be in a comfortable home environment with her family.
DeleteI'm a bit surprised KC remains in hospital, but it may be an abundance of caution due to his age.
I hope you are doing better Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI have to shake my head and compare how health news about the royals are handled. Reports about Charles, Fergie, and even Camilla are all pretty straightforward and no nonsense. No drama. But Kensington can’t just seem to keep things simple. I’m starting to think it’s deliberate. What a minefield. Careful readers know to read everything the press and the palace put out with a grain of salt. But it’s always such a tempest production out of KP. Kate doesn’t need all this drama. And if this is protection, it’s a lousy job. Coincidentally, Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows” is blasting away as I’m typing away. How appropriate. Deep sigh.
What drama? They've said she's undergone surgery, doesn't want to share her health problem (she has the right to do so) and that she'll spend around two weeks in hospital then will recover for a couple of months.
DeleteWhat drama.???
The reticence of the announcement did ignite drama -- a great deal of speculation, puzzlement and concern over the long hospital stay, a flurry of tabloid claims, etc. Yes, of course, the Princess has every right to keep the reason for her surgery private, but doing so, while also coyly providing bits and pieces of information just creates -- well, yes, drama. And I have to agree that KP's approach to PR is a problem. It has been for some time. I've found it unprofessional and sometimes even underhanded.
DeleteHowever, as I said earlier, I don't need to know what type of surgery the Princess had, and I'm sure I'll survive until she reappears after Easter.
Characterizing the announcement as “reticent” certainly seems unfair—they only (understandably) waited until the surgery was behind her and she was recovering before putting out the statement, which clearly said it was abdominal surgery, outlined a hospital timeline (which has since proved accurate), and predicted a return to public engagements after Easter (along with the Princess’ apologies for those engagements which would have to be cancelled). I have no idea what “coyly” provided “bits and pieces of information” you are referring to, unless it’s the fact that it is non-cancerous, which was offered in response to a direct question by royal reporters. None of it seems either unprofessional or underhanded—I am perplexed why you would ever characterize it as such.
Delete@Vittoria - I agree that KP needs to get a better handle on PR. Not just when it’s about health. There are definitely better ways a lot of the time. I do think though that it’s hard to give the important informations without some people getting all wound up dramatically. Planned, abdominal surgery, up to 14 days in hospital, at least off work till Easter. I don’t think they could have said much less to make it less dramatic and not lie. Can you imagine the crazy theories if they had the left the reason any more vague? Or if they had announced no or a short hospital stay? And the criticism if she wouldn’t have been see out till Easter? Especially as Kate, who is so private we hardly have any idea about how she actually is, seems not to want to disclose what was going on. Maybe one day but I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t hear more about this ever, if it’s not something that will be noticeable after her recovery.
DeleteBut all in all, I agree that KP looks crazy amateurish in the PR department sometimes.
Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteWill we know when Kate leaves hospital?
Hello,
DeleteI'm expecting we'll see a statement confirming the Princess had been discharged.
I imagine we'll hear something over the next couple of days.
Thanks Charlotte, hopefully she will be well enough to go home and continue with her recovery. It was nice to hear that the King was able to visit his beloved daughter in law before his own operation. There seems to be a lot more press and TV network's outside the hospital since he arrived. Every time the Queen has visited him she is being filmed or photographed. The king has been very public about his condition. So it was nice to see the press respecting the Princess of Wales request for privacy. I've only seen one photo of Prince William going to visit her. None of her children or family if she is well enough to receive them. I'm sure that will be appreciated by the Royal couple. S.🙂.
DeleteThe Guardian released news right now that the Princess was released this morning and is now home in Windsor.
DeleteI am just as curious as everyone else about Kate's medical problem, but I believe it is not our business. It is very helpful to some in the public when RF/celebrities highlight their illness, but Kate is not owned by anyone and has a right to complete privacy. Besides, I saw an article explaining what she was having done -- a tummy tuck! I really had to laugh and share that hypothesis. I can't imagine anyone who is less in need of a tummy tuck. Sadly, some people will probably believe it.
ReplyDeleteThis is an honest question… why have we seen Camila visit Charles daily, but prince william just once?
ReplyDeleteI’ve heard several royal reporters say that they have a privacy arrangement with KP that means he can come and go without it being reported on/covered (much the same as for the school pickups). Rebecca English said she happened to be near the clinic one day recently and saw William drive on his way there; she said she knows for a fact that he has been visiting regularly. The Queen has simply chosen to be more public in her visits.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t believe the tabloids if looking for truth. Kensington Palace’s people have been less than straight in the past and some of their ex-staffers are not the best of characters. It’s sad to see the quality of their palace personnel doesn’t match their elite station. The staffers with solid, ethical, professional credentials don’t last long, but you can tell when they are around. Their guidance is sorely missed.
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