King Charles’ honest opinion of Kate Middleton’s time as Princess of Wales – and as a mum

In Robert Hardman’s new book Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, a friend of the King revealed just what the monarch thinks of his daughter-in-law

King Charles’ honest evaluation of Kate’s time as the Princess of Wales is as strident as you’d expect.

The monarch is close with his daughter-in-law, the future queen. She has become an integral part of the Firm in her years as a royal and is one of the most popular figures in the family. It was announced this week that the Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery and would spend months away from public engagements to recover.

She will be missed by the royal family, as it was revealed in a new book just how much the King values her. In Robert Hardman’s new book Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, Charles was said to be a huge fan. of Catherine’s. A friend reportedly said: “He thinks Catherine is doing a wonderful job, not just with her royal duties but also bringing up his grandchildren.”

Alongside that, the book drew similarities between Kate and Queen Camilla. It said: “Both Camilla and Catherine are keen readers of books. Unlike their husbands, both keep an eye on the press (including, in the case of the princess, the Mail Online website). Both have very strong non-negotiable relationships with their own families which continue very happily parallel to their respective royal roles.

“They even share similar artistic tastes, with a particular fondness for ballet (the Princess of Wales took Charlotte to watch the Royal Ballet’s Cinderella for her eighth birthday). Both are also firm believers in the merits of gradual, thorough engagement with an issue or an organisation rather than instant, headline-grabbing initiatives.”

Yesterday, the Princess of Wales underwent successful abdominal surgery and won’t be back performing her royal duties until Easter. The 42-year-old was admitted to the London Clinic this week for the planned procedure. She is expected to remain there for ten to 14 days before returning home to continue her recovery.

The royal family are down a few members due to health issues ( 
Image:
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Protecting Kate’s privacy, Kensington Palace wouldn’t confirm what it was the surgery was for, but confirmed it was non-cancerous. It is understood that husband Prince William will curtail his public engagements while his wife is in hospital and immediately after she returns home. He will also scale back his duties to help support her and their children.

A statement from Kensington Palace this afternoon 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.

“Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter. 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.”

Less than two hours after this revelation, Buckingham Palace also revealed that King Charles was undergo a surgery of his own next week, for an enlarged prostate. It is understood that Charles wanted to share the details of his procedure to encourage other men with symptoms to get checked out.

The statement read: “In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”