Kate Middleton and King Charles’ medical illnesses were announced to the public just hours apart from one another but the way the royals handled their health diagnoses with the public is completely different. Kate Middleton’s camp announced on Jan. 17 that she had previously went through a “planned abdominal surgery” and would be in the hospital for up to two weeks.
King Charles disclosed that same day that he would be entering a medical institution this week to correct his enlarged prostate. But a question remains: Why did the monarch, 75, choose to reveal his diagnosis in full while his daughter-in-law did not?
According to a People source, “it was sensible” for Charles “to be more open about it, as otherwise, people might have thought the worst.”
As the reigning king, Charles’ health is of the utmost importance to the monarchy and the citizens of the UK and his decision to share his health status with the public has caused a surge in interest in the disease.
According to the UK’s National Health Service website, last week there was a 1,000% surge in searches about prostate enlargement. When she revealed her diagnosis, the Princess of Wales, 42, said in a statement that she “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,” the memo added. Middleton shares children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, with husband Prince William.
The Duchess of Cambridge “wishes to apologize 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 statement concluded. She will not undertake any public engagements until after Easter as she recuperates.
While the Firm has yet to divulged what issues exactly the princess was suffering from, an insider told People that she is “doing well” and the problem is noncancerous.
“It does sound serious with the length of time [she’s taking]. But she is in great hands and will have lots of care and support at home and is a fit young woman,” a separate source told People earlier this week. “I am sure she will bounce back.”
Us Weekly noted however, that she might reveal more information about her surgery “in due course.” Middleton also kept her surgery secret from her inner circle.