Prince William races to Kate’s bedside as Camilla provides update on King Charles

The Prince of Wales arrived at a London hospital to be with his wife as palace insiders revealed the status of Princess Catherine’s condition.

Prince William visited the London Clinic hospital as palace insiders revealed the Princess of Wales was “doing well” following abdominal surgery.

The Prince of Wales was pictured behind the wheel as he drove to his wife’s bedside after Princess Catherine spent her second night in recovery.

While details of the surgery remain confidential, insiders leaked it was not cancer-related, with those familiar with the matter adding to the Times in London that the planned procedure was a complete success.

Aides to the Princess, however, “would not say whether it was something that might affect her in the longer term or have longer-term repercussions”, according to the UK’s Telegraph.

Kensington Palace said the surgery was planned but royal observers quickly noted that arrangements had continued as recently as last week for a Spring trip to Italy for Princess Catherine and Prince William.

Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales leaves the London Clinic after visiting his wife’s bedside. Picture: AFP

Royal commentator Neil Sean said the King had “no intention” of releasing his medical statement until next week, but that it was “suddenly rushed forward” to be announced on the same day of Princess Catherine’s surgery reveal.

“I’ve been told that this was simply to release the pressure from the Princess Kate,” Mr Sean said in an interview, adding that she had not only undergone “rather serious” surgery, but has been suffering from stress for an extended period.

“Make no mistake about this. She has been under intense scrutiny and stress thanks to recent allegations in books like Omid Scobie’s ‘Endgame’, in which he labelled them royal racists. Something that I know deeply hurt her.”

“It really did shock the world as no one knew. No one saw this coming,” Mr Sean said.

Mr Sean said that the medical issue was “something that really evolved over the previous weekend”, according to royal sources, and that calling the surgery “planned” was intended to limit the fallout from the announcement.

“What is interesting in this particular Royal story is the fact that the Princess of Wales was able to keep this a secret,” Mr Sean said. “It really did shock the world as no one knew. No one saw this coming.”

Britain's Queen Camilla provided an update on King Charles during a visit to Aberdeen. Picture: AFP

Kate has not been seen in public since Christmas Day, and a parent at Lambrook School, where George, Louis and Charlotte attend, said the Princess had not dropped off her kids since the end of the holiday.

“I suddenly realised when I saw the news that I haven’t actually seen Kate doing the school run this term, which she usually does,” they told The Daily Beast. “But as the children only started back a week ago, it’s not surprising nobody noticed.”

Mr Sean added that Princess Catherine had not only undergone “rather serious” surgery, but that she has also been “suffering from stress” for an extended period.

“One can only surmise where that stress may have come from,” he said.

“Let’s not forget a lot of the stress and strain that has been placed upon her ever since the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, and yes the ongoing battle with Harry and Meghan over in California.”

While Princess Catherine will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, and out of action for three months, Mr Sean said King Charles was expected to spend only one or two nights in hospital after upcoming prostate surgery that had been planned since “late November”.

Queen Camilla provided an update on the King’s condition when asked during a visit to Aberdeen how the monarch was doing.

“He’s fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work,” she said.

The King is in Aberdeenshire where he prepares for the procedure to correct an enlarged prostate.

CONCERNS FOR KATE AMID SURGERY SHOCK

It was the shock health news that few were expecting and a development that has left the slimmed-down British monarchy facing a triple blow as it is forced to operate without three senior key members.

The Princess of Wales faces a lengthy period in hospital after major abdominal surgery and will be out of action from royal duties until at least after Easter.

Within 90 minutes of the surprise announcement from Kensington Palace, it emerged that King Charles III will himself enter hospital next week for a “corrective procedure” on an enlarged prostate.

Princess Catherine has been hospitalised in London. Picture: Supplied

Prince William will postpone a number of engagements as he supports his family, and will not undertake official duties while his wife remains in hospital.

It is not yet clear what type of surgery Catherine underwent, but the lengthy recovery period indicates that it was extensive and that she has a hard road ahead.

Australian gastrointestinal surgeon and University of NSW lecturer Oliver Fisher said a number of conditions may require abdominal surgery.

Police officers stand guard outside the London Clinic in London where Princess Catherine will stay for up to two weeks after abdominal surgery. Picture: AFP

Abdominal surgery can involve conditions or injuries to major organs inside someone’s belly, including the stomach, liver, uterus and ovaries, he said.

Dr Fisher said the more “invasive and extensive” the surgery was, the longer the recovery would take.

“Very common causes for patients requiring abdominal surgery include things like gallbladder conditions (like gallstones), appendicitis and hernias,” Dr Fisher said.

“Pelvic conditions including those of the internal female genitalia (tubes, ovaries, uterus) may also require abdominal surgery.

The Princess of Wales is in hospital for abdominal surgery. Picture: Getty Images

Dr Fisher said the side effects depended on what exactly was being treated.

“In general the risks and long term effects associated with the procedure are proportional to the complexity as well as extent of surgery required, as well as which organs are being treated,” he said.

“Of note is that like with all other types of surgery, abdominal surgery can be typically performed either as planned or emergency surgery.

“It can be done as open or minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopy (keyhole) or robotic surgery.

“The recovery period is again highly variable and depends on many different factors: the condition requiring surgery as well as the patient’s general fitness/health, the means by which surgery is performed (minimally invasive surgery typically results in quicker recovery), as well as if there are any complications after surgery.

“Typically, however, the more invasive or extensive the surgery is, the longer someone’s recovery takes.”

In a statement, Kensington Palace said the princess “hoped the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible”. Picture: WireImage

Aside from the births of her three children, it is not the first time 42-year-old Catherine has had a lengthy stay in hospital.

In 2012, she was rushed to the King Edward VII hospital in central London after suffering the debilitating condition hyperemesis gravidarum.

The illness, which causes severe nausea and vomiting, afflicted the Princess during all three of her pregnancies.

For now, she is ensconced in the luxury London Clinic, a long-time favourite hospital of the royals where Prince Philip and Princess Margaret were once treated.

The hospital, currently under police guard due to the future queen’s stay, is known for its cutting-edge treatments.

Princess Catherine has undergone surgery in London while King Charles will enter hospital next week for a “corrective procedure”. Picture: AFP

In true celebrity style, it even offers a concierge service and a private chef for wealthy patients.

Kensington Palace said the Princess wished for her medical information to remain private and that she wanted to retain normality for her children.

“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate,” the statement said.

“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.

King Charles and Princess Catherine, with Prince George and Prince Louis, on Christmas Day. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

Meanwhile, King Charles, 75, has postponed his upcoming public engagements ahead of his prostate procedure.

The King will take a short period of recuperation after the operation, Buckingham Palace said. “In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” a statement issued on Wednesday said.

“His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.”

The King shared details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked, in line with public health advice.

He had been due to hold a series of meetings and events at Dumfries House on Thursday and Friday, but these have now been postponed.

Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and Prince Edward are among the “counsellors of state” who can step in for the King during his absence if necessary.

Counsellors are needed to deputise when the monarch is abroad or unwell.