Kate Middleton is ‘on the mend & has left Windsor for first time since her op for holiday with Prince William & kids’
PRINCESS Kate is “on the mend” and has left Windsor for the first time since her surgery, pals have claimed.
The Princess of Wales, 42, is “recovering well” after her planned abdominal surgery on January 16.
Kate spent 13 days recovering at the private London Clinic before heading home – and she is unlikely to be seen carrying out any frontline duties until after Easter.
In a clear sign of her improvement, the Princess joined William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on a half-term trip holiday on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
A pal told the Daily Mail: “Catherine is recovering well.
“She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William.”
The King is also convalescing in Norfolk following his cancer diagnosis.
The monarch was admitted to The London Clinic on January 26 to undergo the operation and his stay was extended by 24 hours.
A “separate issue of concern was noted” during his corrective prostate surgery – and further tests revealed the presence of cancer.
In their statement a Palace spokesman stated: “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
His Majesty is undergoing a schedule of regular treatments and “remains wholly positive”.
It follows a string of health shocks for the Royal Family, with the Duchess of York, 64, also told she had cancer just after Christmas.
Fergie and Charles are understood to be supporting each other through their treatment.
King Charles will continue with his red boxes, weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, and monthly Privy Council meetings, but they may have to be scaled back on the advice of doctors.
In the meantime, Prince William and Queen Camilla have taken the lead and stepped up to help with royal duties.
On Wednesday, despite the turbulent time for his family as Princess Kate recuperates from her abdominal surgery, the prince gave a speech at a charity fundraising gala.
William, who served as a rescue pilot saving lives for seven years, attended the event for the London Air Ambulance Charity.
It came hours after he returned to public engagements for the first time and held an investiture at Windsor Castle.
William was seen smiling and joking as he handed out gongs at the ceremony.
Queen Camilla has also put on a brave face amid the troubling time for her family.
She was seen with Charles on Tuesday for the first time since his cancer shock – taking a helicopter to Sandringham after meeting Prince Harry.
ROYAL OPERATIONS
How the King and Kate's respective health battles unfolded:
Tuesday, January 16: Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery.
Wednesday, January 17: Kensington Palace announces the princess’ operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days.
Over an hour later, Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days.
Thursday, January 18: Prince William spends time at his wife’s bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
The Queen says the King is “fine” and “looking forward to getting back to work” during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery
Friday, January 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure.
Monday, January 22: The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is “fine”, and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon.
Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: “The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.”
Thursday, January 25: The King arrives back in London from Sandringham ready for his treatment.
Friday, January 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital.
Sunday, January 28: Queen Camilla arrives for her fourth visit on Charles’ third day in hospital.
Monday, January 29: King Charles leaves hospital.
Sunday, February 4: Charles seen waving as he walks to church at Sandringham.
Monday, February 5: Buckingham Palace announce King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.
The King was spotted smiling as they were driven from their London home Clarence House to the palace.
Queen Camilla was also pictured at the opening of a new cancer treatment centre days before Charles’ diagnosis was made public.
Despite knowing of her husband’s condition she continued with royal duties and smiled as she greeted visitors.
Last night, she spoke out for the first time sharing an update on His Majesty’s health at a charity event in Salisbury Cathedral.
She gave an update, speaking to Ben Abbott, 40, Critical care paramedic with Wiltshire Air Ambulance, and said: “He’s doing extremely well under the circumstances.
“He is very touched by all of the letters and messages the public have been sending from everywhere.
“That’s very cheering.”
Princess Anne has also stepped up and continues to help hold the family together.
The royal made a public appearance on Monday, at the dedication of a new St John Ambulance Community unit in Devizes, Wilts.
