Royal Insight: Unprecedented health scares highlight the mortality of the family

Why King Charles went public with his diagnosis while Kate Middleton chose to keep hers private

 

By Social Links for Samantha Ibrahim

Published Jan. 25, 2024, 3:34 p.m. ET

https://nypost.com/2024/01/25/entertainment/why-king-charles-went-public-with-his-diagnosis-while-kate-middleton-chose-to-keep-hers-private/

 

Kate Middleton and King Charles’ medical illnesses were announced to the public just hours apart from one another but the way the royals handled their health diagnoses with the public is completely different.

 

Kate Middleton’s camp announced on Jan. 17 that she had previously went through a “planned abdominal surgery” and would be in the hospital for up to two weeks.

 

King Charles disclosed that same day that he would be entering a medical institution this week to correct his enlarged prostate.

 

But a question remains: Why did the monarch, 75, choose to reveal his diagnosis in full while his daughter-in-law did not?

 

According to a People source, “it was sensible” for Charles “to be more open about it, as otherwise, people might have thought the worst.”

 

As the reigning king, Charles’ health is of the utmost importance to the monarchy and the citizens of the UK and his decision to share his health status with the public has caused a surge in interest in the disease.

 

According to the UK’s National Health Service website, last week there was a 1,000% surge in searches about prostate enlargement.

 

When she revealed her diagnosis, the Princess of Wales, 42, said in a statement that she “appreciates the interest this statement will generate.”

 

“She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible,” the memo added.

 

Middleton shares children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, with husband Prince William.

 

The Duchess of Cambridge “wishes to apologize to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.

 

The Princess of Wales was hospitalized on Jan. 16 for a planned surgery.

 

“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible,” the statement concluded.

 

She will not undertake any public engagements until after Easter as she recuperates.

 

While the Firm has yet to divulged what issues exactly the princess was suffering from, an insider told People that she is “doing well” and the problem is noncancerous.

 

“It does sound serious with the length of time [she’s taking]. But she is in great hands and will have lots of care and support at home and is a fit young woman,” a separate source told People earlier this week. “I am sure she will bounce back.”

 

Us Weekly noted however, that she might reveal more information about her surgery “in due course.”

 

Middleton also kept her surgery secret from her inner circle.

 

William, 41, has been stepping up to help out ever since his wife has been out of commission.

 

Charles’ former butler Grant Harrold told the Post last week that Middleton’s operation will have a “huge impact” on the royal family.

 

“Kate is arguably one of the most favorable royals. Everybody loves seeing her,” Harrold said. “No doubt, Kate’s absence will be a setback here, with William likely to take it upon himself to keep up the momentum.”

 

“William is extremely comfortable carrying out his royal duties on his own. He did them for many years before he was married to Kate, and I’m sure he will pick up some solo duties here,” Harrold also said on behalf of Slingo.

Kate Middleton hid abdominal surgery from inner circle, may disclose information ‘in due course’

By Social Links for Nika Shakhnazarova

Published Jan. 24, 2024, 9:56 a.m. ET

https://nypost.com/2024/01/24/entertainment/kate-middleton-hid-abdominal-surgery-from-royal-circle-report/

 

Kate Middleton didn’t tell those close to the royal family about her surgery, according to a new report.

 

The Princess of Wales, 42, is currently recovering at the London Clinic after undergoing a “planned abdominal surgery” last week.

 

Sources told People that the news took Middleton’s loved ones by surprise, especially as “there had been no indication that anything was wrong” with her before her hospitalization on Jan. 16.

 

Middleton, 42, was last seen in public for Christmas Day service on Dec. 25 alongside her husband, Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.

 

She was all smiles at the outing and appeared to be in good spirits at the festivities.

 

What’s more, the outlet adds that Middleton seemed fine as recently as Jan. 9 when she celebrated her birthday with her family in Windsor, England.

 

However, just one week later, she was admitted to the London Clinic where she underwent a “planned abdominal surgery,” Kensington Palace announced.

 

While the surgery has been “successful,” Middleton will remain under the watchful eye of doctors and nurses for up to two weeks and will not return to royal duties until after Easter, March 31.

 

The palace declined to disclose more information out of respect for her privacy, and said any further updates that will be issued will be “significant.”

 

Us Weekly reported, however, that Middleton might disclose more information about her condition “in due course.”

 

“She is in great hands and will have lots of care and support at home,” a source close to the royal household told People.

 

The first insider added that the mom of three’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, “will be a reassuring presence when [Kate] goes back to Windsor to recuperate.”

 

The Post has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment.

 

Following Prince William’s brief visit to the hospital last week, it’s said that the princess has kept in touch with her three children via FaceTime as they remain at their home in Windsor with their dad.

 

Following news of Middleton’s surgery, the royal family’s health woes began to snowball.

 

Both King Charles and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, revealed their own ailments within the last week, as the monarch, 75, revealed that he’s set to undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate this week.

 

The king’s former butler, Grant Harrold, exclusively told The Post that William is no doubt feeling “anxious” that both his wife and father are sitting out of royal engagements amid their respective medical procedures.

 

Harrold added that Middleton’s abdominal surgery recovery is having a “huge impact” on the royal family behind closed doors.

 

Ferguson, 64, for her part, revealed that she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma less than a year after her breast cancer diagnosis.

 

Estranged royal family members Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, 42, have reportedly offered “get well soon” wishes to Charles and Middleton.

 

It’s been reported that Harry, 39, found out about his father’s medical procedure through a news alert, rather than a private message. He and the “Suits” alum are currently in Jamaica, where they attended the premiere of Reinaldo Marcus Green’s film, “Bob Marley: One Love,” on Tuesday.