The Princess of Wales has left hospital and returned to her home in Windsor almost two weeks after abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace has said.
She was admitted to the London Clinic – the same private hospital where King Charles has undergone treatment for an enlarged prostate – for a planned operation on 16 January.
The 42-year-old is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter, and the Prince of Wales has temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress.
“The prince and princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at the London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”
Catherine left the London Clinic earlier on Monday and it is understood her return to official duties will depend on medical advice nearer the time.
Once the princess’s care and recovery has settled, the Prince of Wales plans to resume his public engagements.
Charles, 75, visited his daughter-in-law’s bedside after being admitted himself on 26 January, on the 11th day of Catherine’s stay.
The exact details of the princess’s condition have not been revealed but the palace said previously it was not cancer-related.
Kensington Palace announced news of Catherine’s surgery on 17 January, and 90 minutes later Buckingham Palace revealed the king was to be treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.
William, who has spent time at his wife’s bedside, has been looking after Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, with all his official duties on hold.
A royal source told the Sunday Times the Waleses had switched to “100% family first, day job second”.
The princess will be watched by royal doctors and also benefit from the London Clinic’s aftercare, with dedicated physiotherapists on hand with a personalised plan and a video checkup at home with a specialist nurse on offer.
NHS advice about recovering from abdominal surgery says that, after a major operation with a large incision, it takes two to three months to be able to move around comfortably. But this will be quicker if the procedure was keyhole surgery.
Patients who have major abdominal surgery are urged to avoid lifting anything heavier than the weight of a full kettle – about 2kg-3kg. It can also take two years for the strength of the abdominal wall to return to its previous condition.
Sitting and standing exercises are recommended to build strength, with an aim of walking gradually each day, increasing distance to reach 30 minutes daily within two to three months.
The family live in Adelaide Cottage in Home Park, Windsor, and are being supported by their staff, including longstanding nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo.
Catherine’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, are expected to help the family navigate the next few months as the princess recovers.