The king and the Princess of Wales have both returned home from hospital after receiving medical treatment.
Catherine left hospital on Monday morning and returned to her home in Windsor almost two weeks after abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace said. She was admitted to the London Clinic – the same private hospital where King Charles had treatment for an enlarged prostate – for a planned operation on 16 January.
Hours later on Monday, Buckingham Palace announced the king had left the clinic after spending three nights receiving care.
Charles, 75, smiled and waved to a few members of the public as he left in the afternoon with the queen by his side. Camilla had arrived at the hospital ahead of the king being discharged, and had visited her husband every day since he was admitted on Friday.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The king was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation. His Majesty would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days.”
The king had a corrective procedure for the benign condition and it has been reported he could take up to a month off from public duties as he recuperates.
Charles had spent time at his daughter-in-law’s bedside before his own treatment.
Catherine, 42, is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter and the Prince of Wales has temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress. The prince and princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at the London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”
It is understood her return to official duties will depend on medical advice nearer the time. Once the princess’s care and recovery has settled, the Prince of Wales plans to resume his public engagements.
The exact details of Catherine’s condition have not been revealed but the palace said previously it was not cancer-related.
Kensington Palace announced news of Catherine’s surgery on 17 January, and 90 minutes later Buckingham Palace revealed the king was to be treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.
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William, who spent time at his wife’s bedside, has been looking after Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. A royal source told the Sunday Times the Waleses had switched to “100% family first, day job second”.
NHS advice about recovering from abdominal surgery says that after a major operation with a large incision, it takes two to three months to be able to move around comfortably. This will be quicker if the procedure was keyhole surgery.
Patients who have major abdominal surgery are urged to avoid lifting anything heavier than the weight of a full kettle – about 2kg-3kg. It can also take two years for the strength of the abdominal wall to return to its previous condition. Sitting and standing exercises are recommended to build strength, with an aim of walking gradually each day, increasing distance to reach 30 minutes daily within two to three months.
The family live in Adelaide Cottage in Home Park, Windsor, and are being supported by their staff, including their longstanding nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo.
Catherine’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, are expected to help the family navigate the next few months as the princess recovers.
