Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has just been admitted to a hospital in London following an abdominal operation. Kensington Palace confirmed that the scheduled surgical procedure was successful. The exact nature of her illness has not been revealed, thus respecting the princess’s privacy. She is expected to remain hospitalized for a period of 10 to 15 days, before being able to resume her official duties, probably not before Easter.
At the same time, King Charles III is also facing health issues. Buckingham Palace announced that the monarch, who celebrated his 75th birthday last November, suffers from benign prostatic hyperplasia. This condition, common in older men, requires hospitalization for a corrective procedure. The king is expected to be absent from his official duties for a short period of convalescence.
Prince William, son of Charles and husband of Kate, will have to manage the implications of these hospitalizations on their family and their official commitments.
These successive announcements mark a delicate period for the British royal family. The relative transparency about the health status of the royal family members, usually kept secret, underscores a change in communication from the palace.