Kate Middleton expresses her gratitude for the outpouring of well-wishes from around the world after abdominal surgery.
A statement released by Kensington Palace on Monday revealed that the Princess of Wales, 42, had returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery and was “making good progress”.
In the face of global concern for her well-being, Kate and her husband, Prince William, expressed their heartfelt gratitude: “The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”
As Kate settled in at home in Windsor, she also gave a special thank you to the “hardworking medical staff” at the London clinic, where she underwent abdominal surgery on January 16.
Kate Middleton’s operation was a surprise for those close to the royal family
As the royals recover at home with their families, there is confidence in their resilience.
“It sounds serious for the length of time [she’s taking]. But she is in good hands and will have a lot of care and support at home and is a fit young woman,” a source close to the royal household told PEOPLE exclusively this week. “I’m sure he’ll recover.”
Kate Middleton on December 8 at Westminster Abbey in London.
James Veysey/Shutterstock
The palace did not disclose the nature of her condition, but said it was not cancerous. A former patient who had abdominal surgery at the London clinic tells PEOPLE that the Princess of Wales is receiving good care there.
Now back at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Princess Kate will find the space and privacy she needs to heal. She can also rely on her husband, Prince William, and her close family.
“It is reasonable to take time,” says a source close to the royal household. “It’s a great example for the rest of us, because you’re often told to get back to work as soon as possible, which can be harmful. It’s good for all of us to see her take her time, recover properly and then come back. We can all learn from it.”
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Kate Middleton and Prince William with Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis on December 25, 2023.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
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Prince William is expected to postpone some engagements in order to be with his wife and support their family. A close family friend says the couple don’t have a “big private staff” and “as a result, William is really hands-on” with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman adds: “They are a modern royal couple. There would be more delegations [in the past]. He doesn’t want to leave everything to the nanny.”
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