Why Princess Catherine’s health woes have been shrouded in secrecy

Grab a copy of any newspaper lately and you’re likely to be inundated with details regarding King Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis.

Whether it’s a fellow member of the Royal Family offering insights into how the monarch is travelling or a royal expert providing their two cents on what’s next for the 75-year-old King, there is no shortage of news for royal watchers to consume.

In comparison to King Charles’ cancer diagnosis dominating headlines, there has been little said about Princess Catherine’s recent health challenges.

The Princess of Wales was admitted to the private London Clinic on Tuesday, January 16 where she remained for 14 days before returning home to recover.

“Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. 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. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter,” Kensington Palace revealed at the time of her hospitalisation.

“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.

“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.

“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise 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.”

Even when Catherine was released from hospital and returned home was there very little information regarding the state of her health and the nature of her surgery.

Royal Historian Kelly Swaby offered some insight into why the public has been provided with so many updates regarding King Charles but when it comes to Princess Catherine there seems to be radio silence.

“The Waleses are known for guarding their privacy, so it’s not surprised me how [they] have handled it,” she told 9Honey.

“I do think somebody maybe should have thought through their statement a bit more … because that did spur rumour and speculation, it didn’t help things.”

In a more “blunt” assessment, Swaby explained that “the King is the only constitutionally important person in the royal family”.

“He’s the one who has the official role in the family and because of his role as Head of States, he’s the only person in the world who can appoint the British Prime Minister and sign British laws into acts,” she continued.

“He’s important, and I feel like the approach kind of reflects how important he is.

“I think it also shows a certain level of respect as well [that] the public have the right to know what is going on with their Head of State.

“Whereas the Princess of Wales doesn’t hold a constitutional role, therefore, I don’t think we necessarily need to know as much.”

As the Princess’ adoring fans wait with bated breath for any updates, they will no doubt be happy to hear that Catherine has wasted no time getting back to work following her surgery.

The royal has reportedly been meticulously planning future engagements and maintaining communication with her team “from her bed”, according to an insider.

“Kate will still be healing for several weeks but is already eager to get back to work,” the insider told US Weekly.

“Kate’s procedure went well and she’s still recovering.”

Princess Catherine “has seen all the children” since returning home with the insider revealing that her children have “all made her some ‘get well soon’ cards along with some of her favorite snacks” as she continues her recovery.