Prince William arrives at hospital to visit wife Kate after abdominal surgery

Kate is recuperating at the London Clinic after she underwent serious abdominal surgery on Tuesday.

Prince William has visited his wife Catherine in hospital a day after the Royal Family made the shock revelation she was to be hospitalised for abdominal surgery.

The Prince of Wales went to the private London Clinic on Thursday afternoon, UK time, where the princess is expected to spend the next 10-14 days recuperating.

Kensington Palace said the surgery was “planned” and was “successful”.

The palace has been tight lipped out what specific ailments Catherine has but it is understood it is not cancer.

Whatever it is, though, the palace has said she won’t return to royal duties until after Easter.

The announcement of the princess’ illness came just hours before Buckingham Palace announced King Charles would also be heading to hospital next week.

In contrast to the vagueness of the princess’ condition, Buckingham Palace said the King was having treatment for an enlarged prostate.

It is a common and easily treatable condition and it’s understood Charles was forthcoming with his condition to encourage other men to have their prostates checked.

The double health statements mean two of the most senior royals could be out of action for weeks.

Catherine was admitted to the London Clinic on Tuesday. Her husband was seen driving an Audi e-tron GT electric car into and out of a back entrance of the hospital.

Catherine’s children are yet to visit their mother in hospital.

Prince William arriving at the clinic today. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

Princess ‘doing well’

Kensington Palace said the princess was “doing well” after the operation.

After she leaves hospital, Catherine will rest at the couple’s home Adelaide Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle, west of London.

William is to take time off, stepping back from all official duties for several weeks, while he juggles looking after Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with caring for his wife.

In an earlier statement, the Palace said the princess “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.”

The Princess of Wales is not expected to carry out royal duties until Easter. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

King doing ‘fine’ - Camilla

The King is staying at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire, in Scotland’s north east, with the Queen but the Palace has not confirmed whether he will be treated in London or Scotland.

Queen Camilla conducted a solo engagement at the Aberdeen Art Gallery on Thursday where she said her husband was “fine” and “looking forward to getting back to work”.

Charles is said to be in touch with the Waleses.

Kate was admitted to the London Clinic on Tuesday where she is expected to remain for two weeks. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

The Middleton family, who live close to Windsor, will help with the princess’ recovery.

William was looking after George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis on Wednesday evening.

The London Clinic was chosen to care for the princess, rather than King Edward VII’s Hospital which is usually the go-to establishment for royal medical matters and where she was admitted in 2012.

Originally published as Prince William arrives at hospital to visit wife Kate after abdominal surgery