PEOPLE understands that the King, 75, visited the Princess of Wales, 42, who is recovering fromabdominal surgery, on Friday, ahead of his own surgery to treat anenlarged prostate.
Charles was photographed arriving with wifeQueen Camillaat the London Clinic, the same hospital where Kate underwent surgery on Jan. 16. Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement on Friday that the King had been admitted to a London hospital for “scheduled treatment.”
Kensington Palace announced Kate’s surgery in a statement on Jan. 17. “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,” the statement read. “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”
PEOPLE understands that Kate’s issue is non-cancerous.
AsKate Middletonrecovers, there is confidence in her resilience.
“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 source close to the royal householdtells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s issue. “I am sure she will bounce back.”
Kate Middleton and Prince William attend King Charles' coronation.Neil Mockford/Getty
Charles’ visit comes after Kate’s husbandPrince William, 41, wasphotographed leaving the hospital after a visiton Jan. 18.
William is understood to be planning to spend as much time as possible with his wife as she recovers following her hospitalization and will balance daytime visits with looking after their three children —Prince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5 — alongside their longtime nanny at home in Windsor.
A close family friend says the couple doesn’t have “a huge private staff,” and “as a result, William is really hands-on” with his children.
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Kate made herlast public appearance on Christmas Daywhen she joined other members of the royal family for their annual tradition of walking to church and greeting members of the public gathered outside after the service.
Within their broader circle of family friends, there had been no indication that anything was wrong, and the carefully guarded news about Kate’s situation came as a surprise even to those who work closely with the royal family, PEOPLE understands.
source: people.com
