Kate Middleton hid ‘planned abdominal surgery’ from loved ones

Kensington Palace described Kate Middleton’s recent abdominal surgery as “planned,” but even those closest to her had no idea about it.

Kate Middleton. Picture: Kensington Royal/Instagram

Kensington Palace described Kate Middleton’s recent abdominal surgery as “planned,” but even those closest to the Princess of Wales had no idea about it.

People reported today that “there had been no indication that anything was wrong” with Middleton, 42, prior to her hospitalisation on Jan. 16, with sources saying the news “came as a surprise” to family friends as well as people who “work closely” with the royals.

The princess was last seen in public on December 25 when she and her husband, Prince William, took their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, to a Christmas church service.

Kate Middleton kept her “major” surgery a secret from her loved ones, it’s been reported. Picture: Kensington Royal/Instagram

However, the magazine reported that Middleton seemed fine as recently as Jan. 9 when she celebrated her birthday privately with family at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, England.

Just one week later, the palace announced to the world that the future queen had quietly undergone a “successful” operation — which Page Six understands was “major” but not related to cancer — and would remain at the London Clinic for 10 to 14 days “before returning home to continue her recovery.”

Kensington Palace also shared that Middleton is “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter” but declined to disclose more information out of respect for her privacy.

The Prince of Wales was photographed visiting his wife at the hospital on January 18. Picture: Twitter

“She is in great hands and will have lots of care and support at home,” a source close to the royal household told People, noting that the princess’ parents, Michael Middleton and Carole Middleton, “will be a reassuring presence when she goes back to Windsor to recuperate.”

A royal insider previously told Page Six that William, 41, would also postpone his official appearances in order to care for his wife and their kids.

The Prince of Wales, 41, was photographed visiting Kate at the hospital on January 18.

Christmas Day was the last time Kate was seen in public before the operation.

The former Duchess of Cambridge is not the only senior royal family member who is currently down for the count.

Less than two hours after Kate’s hospitalisation made headlines, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III will undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate, forcing him to delay his public engagements “for a short period” as well.

Kensington Palace did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment on People’s report.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Kate Middleton hid ‘planned abdominal surgery’ from loved ones