Following Kate Middleton’s successful abdominal surgery, fans worldwide have expressed their support and well-wishes.
According to a statement from Kensington Palace, the Princess of Wales is expected to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days, followed by a period of recovery at home.
“Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful, and it is expected she will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on current medical advice, she is unlikely to resume public duties until after Easter,” read the statement, posted on the Palace’s social media accounts.
The statement added: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this announcement will generate. She hopes the public will respect her desire to maintain as much normalcy as possible for her children and her wish for her personal medical information to remain private.”
The Palace further stated: “Kensington Palace will only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress if there is significant new information to share. The Princess of Wales apologises to those affected by the postponement of her upcoming engagements and looks forward to rescheduling as many as possible in due course.”
While Kate recovers, Prince William is taking on the primary role of caring for their three children, with support from their long-time nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo.
Borrallo has been with the family since Prince George was just eight months old. According to an insider quoted by Hello Magazine, “She is not married and doesn’t have a boyfriend, as her life is fully dedicated to the family she works for. She is highly professional – married to the job.”
The trusted nanny, trained at the prestigious Norland College in Bath, plays a significant role in managing the children’s routines when Kate and William are away. A royal insider shared: “Maria is firm but never acts unilaterally on discipline. Kate and William, along with Maria, are strict but maintain a magic ability to appear relaxed with the children.”
Royal expert Jennie Bond noted that while the children will likely adjust, they may be confused by the situation.
“William, sadly, is perfectly placed to provide comfort. He knows exactly how it feels to worry about a mother’s health, and in his case, to lose her. He’ll be taking extra care to reassure the children, sharing as much or as little as he feels is appropriate,” Bond explained.
Bond continued: “As soon as it’s suitable, William will likely take the children to see their mother in hospital. Face-to-face reassurance is important, and they’ll probably use FaceTime in the meantime to show the children that Mum is doing well.”
She added, “This will be a challenging time for William. He’s likely feeling emotional, stressed, and bewildered by this sudden turn of events. Regardless of privilege, health remains paramount and often uncontrollable. William will focus on keeping life as normal as possible for the children, managing the school run, homework, meals, and bedtime routines.”
Following the Palace’s announcement, messages of support for Kate poured in from around the globe.
One fan wrote: “Feel better soon, Catherine. Even while unwell, she’s concerned about everything around her. Take care, and people will understand the need to protect your privacy for your children’s sake.”
Another commented: “Prayers for a speedy recovery for the Princess of Wales and her lovely family during this difficult time.”
A third added: “My thoughts and prayers are with her and her entire family.”
“Fourteen days is a long stay. I hope she’s okay,” remarked another well-wisher.
Among those sending their regards were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“The King and the Princess of Wales have received support from Prince Harry and Meghan regarding their health,” a source revealed, noting that the couple “contacted both parties in different ways to express their concern and best wishes.”
This gesture has been interpreted by some as an olive branch from the Sussexes, whose relationship with the Royal Family remains strained. Critics argue that Harry and Meghan’s interviews, Harry’s memoir Spare, and their Netflix documentary have worsened the divide.
However, reactions were mixed. Some fans of Harry and Meghan described Kate’s hospitalization as “payback after a long, stressful period,” sparking outrage among Kate’s supporters.
Daily Mail royal expert Richard Eden took to X (formerly Twitter) to address such comments: “Some of the posts about the Princess of Wales’s health problems from #PrinceHarry and #Meghan’s supporters really disgust me,” he wrote, according to Express.
Many users supported Eden’s stance. “Meghan Markle’s fan base represents her perfectly,” one said.
Another added: “Well said, Richard. It’s horrific.”
A third echoed, “What do you expect? Many are being paid by Markle! Evil personified.”
Others defended Harry and Meghan, with one commenter responding: “Do comments about the Sussexes and their children from William & Kate supporters also disgust you? You never mention it. I wish Kate a speedy recovery, but you and your colleagues write about H&M like they’re the Moors Murderers. You’re all to blame for this toxic situation.”
In the midst of the ongoing tension, many hope for improved relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family in the future.
