My hope that if we learn what the surgery was for and especially if it is female gender specific, more awareness and less gaslighting of women’s concerns is promoted. Similar to the King’s statement encouraging/implying males to be checked for prostate issues.
I agree that there is a real opportunity for the princess, as we saw with the king, if — big IF — she feels comfortable sharing at some point in the future. We know from the past 12 years that Kate guards her privacy quite fiercely.
I don’t think the length of their statement helped their wish for privacy, or disclosing the length of hospital stay. It made everyone google “what abdominal surgery requires 10-14 days in hospital.” I think they could have just said the “The Princess will undergo planned abdominal surgery. Her medical leave will last until after Easter when she will return to public duties. Sorry we have to postpone engagements, TIA for respecting her private medical information. The Prince will postpone all engagements in January to support his family.” The length and vague disclosure really amp up the speculation. Especially when she left the hospital very quickly after giving birth. Anyway, I hope Kate has an easy recovery, sounds like a bummer of a few weeks for her.
I am a nurse practitioner and nurse-midwife and second Kelley’s comment that the hospitalization length is highly unusual. I just had a hysterectomy this past Friday and came home the same day! I find it interesting that the reason for surgery was disclosed for Charles but not Kate. I absolutely support her right to privacy! It is just an intriguing contrast. Wishing them both a speedy and smooth recovery.
As a physician I would note that it is highly unusual to have to stay in a hospital for 10-14 days after any planned or even an emergency surgery. So this does raise even more speculation as to the nature of the condition. I’m very curious but I wish her privacy and quick healing.
Thanks for sharing, Kelley. It does feel very long and I think, without further explanation, only heightens the speculation. I wonder if we will learn more soon or in even the near future?
In the US most post operative length of stays are between one to three nights for uncomplicated surgeries that require in hospital overnight care. Many abdominal surgeries are done as same day outpatient surgery now such as hysterectomies and gallbladder removal. I am not familiar with the UK standard of care but would think it would be fairly close to the US standards as both countries have high level medical care. A patient that requires a lengthy stay of 14 days would almost surely have a serious complication of some type or extensive repairs.
I think it was very nice of Charles to share his news today and take a bit of the interest away from Kate. Hers obviously had to go out given the risk of leaks but his easily could have waited several days, and I think he was looking to be helpful to Kate however he could.
My prayer is she able to recover in privacy and swiftly. If she feels like sharing that should be her choice. We are a culture of needing to know everything all the time. My time following you Elizabeth has taught me to curious, but not in a constant state of needing to know all the things. You have a thoughtfulness that I feed so refreshing.
On a fashion note, Elizabeth do you know what scarf the Queen was wearing with that pansuit, it looks gorgeous.
I didn’t know about the Queen’s knee surgeries and had never seen this photo of her, thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth! The outfit suits her so perfectly.
I was shocked by the length of the hospital stay, who does that, unless they are in critical condition?? Hospitals in the US try to chuck out patients as soon as possible, because hospitals are dangerous places to be. And for Kate, being who she is, if she needed specialized care for her recovery, they could certainly send doctors, nurses and equipment to her home, where she could recover comfortably and safely.
That’s a long time to be apart from your kids and the comforts of home! Hope she’s feeling as good as she can and has a complications free and full recovery.
If they won’t going to tell us what it was give too much information to cause speculation. Just say Catherine Princess of Wales had surgery will be returning to work in April. I work in healthcare never at a surgery center but even serious surgery never in the hospital this long must be something that will need close attention to monitor since went home so soon after giving birth. Glad that King Charles is letting men know to get their Prostate checked. Best wishes for both.
Why would they? If they announce publicly they will be criticized as trying to 'steal headlines'. If they send private wishes they'll be leaked as trying to 'get back in good graces.'
When I first heard the news, I couldn’t wait to hear your thoughts Elizabeth! I found it interesting that both medical announcements came hours apart, it seemed planned by the Royal family-maybe to take the heat off each other? It’s interesting that Charles was more open compared to Kate, but I totally understand and respect her wanting privacy. I hope we learn more, but understand if we don’t. I wish them both a fast and healthy recovery.
My hope that if we learn what the surgery was for and especially if it is female gender specific, more awareness and less gaslighting of women’s concerns is promoted. Similar to the King’s statement encouraging/implying males to be checked for prostate issues.
I agree that there is a real opportunity for the princess, as we saw with the king, if — big IF — she feels comfortable sharing at some point in the future. We know from the past 12 years that Kate guards her privacy quite fiercely.
I don’t think the length of their statement helped their wish for privacy, or disclosing the length of hospital stay. It made everyone google “what abdominal surgery requires 10-14 days in hospital.” I think they could have just said the “The Princess will undergo planned abdominal surgery. Her medical leave will last until after Easter when she will return to public duties. Sorry we have to postpone engagements, TIA for respecting her private medical information. The Prince will postpone all engagements in January to support his family.” The length and vague disclosure really amp up the speculation. Especially when she left the hospital very quickly after giving birth. Anyway, I hope Kate has an easy recovery, sounds like a bummer of a few weeks for her.
I am a nurse practitioner and nurse-midwife and second Kelley’s comment that the hospitalization length is highly unusual. I just had a hysterectomy this past Friday and came home the same day! I find it interesting that the reason for surgery was disclosed for Charles but not Kate. I absolutely support her right to privacy! It is just an intriguing contrast. Wishing them both a speedy and smooth recovery.
As a physician I would note that it is highly unusual to have to stay in a hospital for 10-14 days after any planned or even an emergency surgery. So this does raise even more speculation as to the nature of the condition. I’m very curious but I wish her privacy and quick healing.
Thanks for sharing, Kelley. It does feel very long and I think, without further explanation, only heightens the speculation. I wonder if we will learn more soon or in even the near future?
Long in the US or the UK? I understand in general hospital stays tend to be longer in the UK.
In the US most post operative length of stays are between one to three nights for uncomplicated surgeries that require in hospital overnight care. Many abdominal surgeries are done as same day outpatient surgery now such as hysterectomies and gallbladder removal. I am not familiar with the UK standard of care but would think it would be fairly close to the US standards as both countries have high level medical care. A patient that requires a lengthy stay of 14 days would almost surely have a serious complication of some type or extensive repairs.
I think it was very nice of Charles to share his news today and take a bit of the interest away from Kate. Hers obviously had to go out given the risk of leaks but his easily could have waited several days, and I think he was looking to be helpful to Kate however he could.
My prayer is she able to recover in privacy and swiftly. If she feels like sharing that should be her choice. We are a culture of needing to know everything all the time. My time following you Elizabeth has taught me to curious, but not in a constant state of needing to know all the things. You have a thoughtfulness that I feed so refreshing.
On a fashion note, Elizabeth do you know what scarf the Queen was wearing with that pansuit, it looks gorgeous.
I do not know this specific scarf, Nancy! But I know she favored Hermes scarves throughout her reign - I agree, it's gorgeous, and such a nice touch.
I didn’t know about the Queen’s knee surgeries and had never seen this photo of her, thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth! The outfit suits her so perfectly.
I was shocked by the length of the hospital stay, who does that, unless they are in critical condition?? Hospitals in the US try to chuck out patients as soon as possible, because hospitals are dangerous places to be. And for Kate, being who she is, if she needed specialized care for her recovery, they could certainly send doctors, nurses and equipment to her home, where she could recover comfortably and safely.
That’s a long time to be apart from your kids and the comforts of home! Hope she’s feeling as good as she can and has a complications free and full recovery.
If they won’t going to tell us what it was give too much information to cause speculation. Just say Catherine Princess of Wales had surgery will be returning to work in April. I work in healthcare never at a surgery center but even serious surgery never in the hospital this long must be something that will need close attention to monitor since went home so soon after giving birth. Glad that King Charles is letting men know to get their Prostate checked. Best wishes for both.
Do you think we will hear from Harry and Meghan publicly wishing Kate well?
Why would they? If they announce publicly they will be criticized as trying to 'steal headlines'. If they send private wishes they'll be leaked as trying to 'get back in good graces.'
Yes, I am cynical, but I also think I'm right ;)
Absolutely not!
When I first heard the news, I couldn’t wait to hear your thoughts Elizabeth! I found it interesting that both medical announcements came hours apart, it seemed planned by the Royal family-maybe to take the heat off each other? It’s interesting that Charles was more open compared to Kate, but I totally understand and respect her wanting privacy. I hope we learn more, but understand if we don’t. I wish them both a fast and healthy recovery.