Princess Kate's surgery "came as a surprise" to those close to the Royal Family, sources have claimed.
The Princess of Wales is recovering from "planned abdominal surgery", which took place last Tuesday in the private London Clinic.
Kate surprised fans when Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that she had been hospitalised the day before.
This was three weeks after the princess, 42, stepped out on Christmas Day alongside Prince William and their children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.
Princess Kate underwent 'planned abdominal surgery' last week
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Kate beamed in a blue Alexander McQueen coat as she greeted well-wishers and chatted to the public following church.
Within the Waleses' broader circle of family and friends, there had been no indication that anything was wrong with the princess.
The news about Kate’s situation came as a surprise to those who work closely with the Royal Family, according to reports.
The Waleses enjoyed family time with their relatives whilst spending Christmas at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.
Princess Kate was admitted to the private London Clinic last Tuesday
PAThey also reportedly caught up with friends for outings in the Norfolk countryside.
Kate and William are understood to have spent New Year's Eve with the Middleton family, before returning to Adelaide Cottage to privately celebrate the princess's 42nd birthday on January 9.
The following day George, Charlotte and Louis returned to their school, Lambrook in Windsor.
When Kate's operation became public knowledge, it was announced that Prince William would halt public duties for much of his wife's recovery period.
Princess Kate is expected to stay at The London Clinic for between 10 and 14 days, according to Kensington Palace's statement
PA
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The Middleton family are expected to help care for Kate during her recuperation
PAAccording to the Kensington Palace statement, Kate could remain hospitalised for “10 to 14 days" before returning home to continue her recovery.
It will be unlikely for the Princess of Wales to “return to public duties until after Easter”.
Kate is expected to receive great support from her family, including parents Carole and Michael and siblings Pippa and James, who all live in Berkshire.
A Palace insider told People Magazine: “Her parents are an enduring factor in the upbringing of their grandchildren. And they will be a reassuring presence when she goes back to Windsor to recuperate.”