King Charles, Kate and William: Three senior working royals are out of action - and their candour is almost unheard of
For Kate, recovery could last two to three months. William won't be working either, at least while she's in hospital. He's already postponed planned engagements, as has the King. But it's the way that this personal news has been handled which is highly unusual, Laura Bundock explains.
Thursday 18 January 2024 12:49, UK
The Royal Family rarely comment publicly about private issues.
Particularly when it comes to their health.
That's why the release of two statements, within 90 minutes of each other, is highly unusual.
Update:
Prince William visits Kate in hospital
We last saw the King and Kate, together on Christmas Day at Sandringham.
Along with other royals, they attended the traditional morning church service.
Kate has not been seen on official duties since, and the monarch has rarely been seen.
For Kate, recovery could last two to three months. Kensington Palace confirmed she probably won't be working this side of Easter.
Her unexpected surgery means William won't be working either, at least while she's in hospital, and in the early days back at home. He's already postponed planned engagements.
As has his father the King, who personally took the decision to go public with his prostate treatment.
He wanted, we understand, to speak out and encourage other men to get checked. Prostate charities are already praising him for his openness and candour.
Prostate treatment isn't uncommon in men, but it is unusual for the King, who is 75, to publicise such personal news.
We don't how long his recovery will take, or when he'll be undertaking duties again.
Read more:
The King to attend hospital for prostate treatment
Princess of Wales has abdominal surgery
The King and Kate's most recent royal engagements
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The release of two statements so close together is almost unheard of.
We now have three senior working royals out of action, postponing engagements, with all their work on hold.
Raising concerns and making headlines about their health is certainly not how they'd have wanted to start the new year.