Kate’s hospital stay passes one-week mark

The Princess of Wales has spent a week in hospital being cared for as she recovers from abdominal surgery.

Kate was admitted to the London Clinic last Tuesday ahead of her successful, planned operation.

The Prince of Wales has cleared his diary of official visits and meetings, with no mentions of William in the Court Circular – the daily record of royal engagements – since his wife was admitted.

The heir to throne is temporarily stepping back from his royal role to care for Kate and look after their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The King has also cancelled engagements ready for his corrective procedure in hospital this week, with the Queen urging her workaholic husband to take it easy.

An insider told The Sun: “The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.”

She is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.

A royal source told The Sunday Times the Waleses have switched to “100% family first, day job second”.

Aides insist the princess will be out of sight over the next few months but is likely to be working behind the scenes.

Kensington Palace has not revealed further details of the princess’s condition, but confirmed it was non-cancerous.

A spokesman said: “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 for her children as possible, and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”