Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh at Trooping the Colour in June 2023.Photo:Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
The royal family is relying on just a few members to keep up with duties.
Now, another royal is taking some time out of the public eye.Prince Edward, 59, is taking “a short break from public duties after his trips overseas in January to South Africa and St. Helena,”The Telegraphreported on Tuesday. The Duke of Edinburghhad a busy itineraryduring four days away last week, paying an official visit to South Africa, a Commonwealth country, and St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory.
It’s standard for the royals to take a short time off after busy trips. A look at theRoyal Diarysuggests that Prince Edward is not expected to step out again for another week. On Feb. 8, the Duke of Edinburgh is scheduled to attend a reception at the Institute of Physics and a talent showcase at The Savoy as patron of the Production Guild of Great Britain, according to the calendar of the British royal family’s upcoming engagements.
The time away from public duty for many working royals means the spotlight will burn even brighter onQueen Camilla,Princess AnneandSophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. The women haveall kept busy schedulesof official engagements in recent weeks as Princess Kate and King Charles' health news made headlines.
Queen Camilla, 76, has made a series of solo engagements, fromcelebrating the centenary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ Housetovisiting a hospitalahead of World Cancer Day.
Sophie, 59, visited the Harris Girls' Academy in London last week to join students participating in a menstrual health workshop, where shespoke candidly about the topicin an effort to break stigmas.
Princess Anne, 73, is known for her status as thehardest-working royalfor the number of engagements she undertakes each year, and 2024 is proving to be no different. On Tuesday, the talented equestrian (who competed in the Olympics) opened Riding for the Disabled’s new facilities at Reaseheath Equestrian College. She also joined the celebrations for Jodrell Bank’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace issued separate statements less than two hours apart on Jan. 17 to share news on Princess Kate and King Charles’ health. Kensington Palace said that the Princess of Wales had “planned abdominal surgery” the day prior and would remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days before heading home to continue her recovery. PEOPLE understands the issue is non-cancerous, and Kensington Palace hinted that Kate’s recovery might be lengthy.
“Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties after Easter,” the statement said.
Shortly after, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles was seeking treatment for anenlarged prostate. It’s understood that the King wanted to share his diagnosis to encourage men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked, and the decision has already made an impact. The National Health Service of the U.K. said the palace announcement on Jan. 17 prompted a 1,000% surge in searches about prostate enlargement on itswebsite.
A royal source told PEOPLE that King Charles would be capable of fulfilling his constitutional requirements and duties during this time. The King arrived at the London Clinic last Friday for the planned procedure, checking into the same private hospital where Princess Kate had surgery and remained to recover.
PEOPLE understands that King Charlesvisited his daughter-in-lawat the London Clinic before his surgery, and both royal patients left on Monday. While Princess Kate’s departure was not publicized, King Charles left through the front entrance with Queen Camilla andgave a waveto well-wishers.
“The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday.
“He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days,” the statement continued.
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave The London Clinic on Jan. 29.Peter Nicholls/Getty Images
Peter Nicholls/Getty Images
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The King’s exitfollowed confirmationfrom Kensington Palace that Princess Kate was home after a 13-day stay in hospital.
“The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress," Kensington Palace said in a statement Monday. “The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided.
“The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world," the statement said.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
source: people.com
