Prince William visits the Princess of Wales in hospital following abdominal surgery

Prince William has visited the Princess of Wales in hospital following her abdominal surgery.

William, 41, was photographed driving to the London Clinic at 12.35pm on Thursday, UK time.

The Prince of Wales has stepped back from royal duties to help care for his wife and the couple's children during what is expected to be a long recovery.

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Kensington Palace confirmed the visit, saying: "The prince has just left hospital after visiting his wife."

Catherine was admitted to the private hospital earlier this week for a planned procedure that is reportedly non-cancerous.

She will remain in hospital for two weeks before returning to the family's home, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, to continue her recovery for up to three months.

The nature of her condition has not been revealed.

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Kensington Palace released the following statement: "Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery,"

"The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery.

"Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

It continued, "The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.

"Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.

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The statement ended by saying, "The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."

The couple's children – Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five – attend Lambrook School in Windsor following the family's move out of London in 2023.