Princess Kate is in hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery. Here's what we know

Princess Kate will be on bed rest for at least two weeks following the procedure.

Kate had been admitted to the private London Clinic on Tuesday where she is expected to remain for 10 to 14 days. Source: Getty / Chris Jackson

Key Points

• Princess Catherine of Wales has undergone an abdominal procedure.
• The Palace has confirmed the Princess will be absent from public duties until after Easter.
• It comes as King Charles has sought treatment for his prostate.

The Princess of Wales is recovering from abdominal surgery and will be taking a break from public engagements, Kensington Palace has announced.

The 42-year-old, widely known as Kate, is married to heir to the throne Prince William, and was admitted to a private clinic in central London on Tuesday.

"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 palace said.

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

The princess is frequently seen alongside William, 41, with whom she has three young children, but is increasingly undertaking solo public engagements.

What surgery did Princess Kate have?

Details of the surgery remain private as per Princess Kate's request, but a palace spokesman said the condition was non-cancerous.

"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate," Kensington Palace added.

Princess Kate next to husband Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte. Credit: DPPA/Sipa USA

"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 said it would only provide updates on Kate's progress when there was "significant new information to share".

William will also postpone several engagements while his wife is recovering.

King Charles to undergo prostate treatment

Less than two hours after that unexpected announcement, Buckingham Palace revealed that 75-year-old King Charles would be attending hospital for a "corrective procedure".

King Charles will undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate, a condition common in men over 50. Source: AAP, AP / Aaron Chown

"In common with thousands of men each year, the king has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," the palace said in a statement.

The Palace confirmed his condition was benign but that the monarch made the details public to encourage other men to have their prostate checked.

The two royals have both appeared to be in good health and were last seen in public on Christmas Day when the royal family made their annual visit to a church service near King Charles' Sandringham home in eastern England.