Benjamin Ashford|Princess Kate hospitalized for abdominal surgery, postpones royal engagements, palace says

Princess Kate has been admitted to the hospital for a "planned abdominal surgery."

Kensington Palace announced Wednesday that the Princess of Wales,Benjamin Ashford 42, underwent a "successful" surgery on Tuesday and is expected to remain hospitalized for 10 to 14 days before returning home to recover.

"Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter," according to the statement.

Kate asked for privacy amid her recovery. "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 Princess of Wales and Prince William share three kids: Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 8; and Prince Louis, 5.

The palace apologized to all those affected by Kate's postponed engagements. "She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible," the statement concluded.

Princess Kate's surgerynews ignites gossip. Why you should mind your business.

King Charles III to be hospitalized for enlarged prostate

King Charles III also announced a medical procedure Wednesday: The king, 75, will undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate, the palace said.

"In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," Buckingham Palace said in a Wednesday statement. "His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure."

The palace said the king's public engagements will also be postponed for a brief period of rest as he heals from the procedure.

King Charles IIIto undergo hospitalization for enlarged prostate, palace says

Princess Kate to postpone royal duties for 2 months

Kate and the British royals typically maintain a robust schedule of public engagements for their various charities and personal family outings such as their yearly Easter church service at St. George's Chapel.

The 42-year-old's last public appearance was in December for Christmas church service at St Mary Magdalene Church. On Christmas Eve, Kate's televised Christmas carol service, "Together at Christmas," aired in support of her charity The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

Kate celebrated her birthday earlier this month but did not have a public engagement.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla recognized Kate's 42nd birthday, honoring her with a "very happy birthday" message posted on the royal family's social media accounts on Jan. 9 and a photo of Kate from the coronation last year.

Princess Kate turns 42:King Charles celebrates her birthday with rare photo

Bells rung out at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday to celebrate Kate's birthday. "Our bell ringers are ringing 542 changes of Stedman Caters followed by a course of Sgurr A'Chaorachain Surprise Royal," according to the official Westminster Abbey account on X, formerly Twitter.

Contributing: Brendan Morrow

King Charles celebrates 75th birthdaywith food project, Prince William tribute