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KATE Middleton and The King have been forced to cancel a string of Royal duties following their respective surgeries.

The Princess of Wales, 42, underwent a successful abdominal operation at a private hospital in London on Tuesday.

Kate Middleton has apologised for missing Royal duties following abdominal surgery
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Kate Middleton has apologised for missing Royal duties following abdominal surgeryCredit: Splash
It was earlier confirmed the operation was planned and it is not to do with Cancer
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It was earlier confirmed the operation was planned and it is not to do with CancerCredit: Twitter

Shortly after Wednesday's health update on Kate, it was also revealed The King, 78, has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Buckingham Palace said His Majesty's condition is "benign" and he is due in hospital next week for "a corrective procedure".

His engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation, the statement said.

Buckingham Palace added: "In guidance: His Majesty was keen to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice."

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Kensington Palace - Kate's official residence - said she will remain in hospital for ten to 14 days and is "unlikely" to return to public duties until after Easter.

The mum-of-three today apologised for postponing her Royal engagements following the surgery which was planned and is not cancer-linked.

The statement read: "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."

The palace said the public "will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible".

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Kate Middleton is expected to miss the following engagements:

  • BAFTAs - February 18
  • St David's Day parade - March 1
  • Prince Edward's 60th Birthday - March 10
  • St Patrick's Day Parade - March 17
  • Church on Easter Sunday - March 31

It is understood that hubby Prince William was by Kate's side yesterday and has returned to the hospital today.

Updates on her recovery will come when there is only "significant information to share", a spokesperson said.

Kate is now expected to miss out on a string of engagements including the BAFTA's on February 18 and the St David's Day parade March 1.

She is expected to be absent from the St Patrick's Day parade on March 17 and Church on Easter Sunday on March 31.

She may miss Prince Edward's 60th birthday celebrations on March 10.

There are no visible engagements in the Royal Diary for either the King or Princess of Wales.

These are published up to eight weeks in advance.

In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Kensington Palace said: "Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic 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."

A spokesperson added: "The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.

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"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."

The London Clinic, near Regent's Park in central London, describes itself as the UK's largest independent private hospital.

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