Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been hospitalized following a planned abdominal surgery and will remain in the hospital for up to two weeks, Kensington Palace announced. The palace confirmed that the surgery was successful and that Kate Middleton, 42, will need an extended period of recovery before returning to public duties and will be unlikely to do so until after Easter. The palace did not disclose further details about her condition but said it is not cancer-related. The palace also apologized for postponing planned engagements and assured that she wishes to maintain normality for her children and keep her personal medical information private.

The length of her expected stay in the hospital suggests that her medical condition is serious. Meanwhile, Prince William is reported to be planning to fulfill his royal duties while ensuring he stays with his wife during her recovery process. He will also be postponing several engagements and the couple will not take part in any engagements abroad for the foreseeable future. The palace further mentioned that it will only provide updates when there is significant new information to share.

This unexpected announcement comes just shortly after Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III will also receive treatment for an enlarged prostate but emphasized that his condition is benign. It is expected that her recuperation could take as long as three months, indicating that the surgery was significant enough to keep her in the hospital for an extended time.

The Princess of Wales was last seen publicly on Christmas in Sandringham with her husband, Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince William and Kate Middleton will be foregoing royal engagements for an indefinite period, as they focus on her recovery. The well-being of the princess and her family are the utmost priority.