Princess Kate Middleton’s departure from The London Clinic last week was shrouded in secrecy – a sign royal insiders say that the Princess of Wales’ recovery is still of utmost concern, despite assurances from a palace spokesperson that “she is making good progress”.
Whisked home to Windsor to enjoy an emotional reunion with her three children, George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five, who she hasn’t seen since undergoing abdominal surgery, Kate, 42, will spend the next two months on bed rest and will only return to public engagements after medical advice.
“The fortnight Kate spent in hospital was the longest period she had been away from the kids, even longer than some royal tours, and they must have been worried about her,” royal commentator Phil Dampier tells Woman’s Day.
“They will be spending precious time together, and their love and support for each other will be stronger than ever, but obviously the children won’t be able to leap all over their mum for the time being!”
As for Prince William, 41, who is stepping away from his frontline duties to care for his wife and children, he is said to be ensuring Kate is given the time and space to recover.
His priority now is protecting her from any unnecessary stress from any wayward family members.
“[Prince] Harry and [his wife] Meghan haven’t sent any public get well messages either to Kate or the King after his prostate operation,” says Phil.
“It’s possible they have sent private messages, but I understand William wants to protect Kate from any stress, and so some suspect he’s banned any contact.
“If they did send an email or text, it wouldn’t surprise me if he keeps it from Kate.”
There’s no doubt in William’s mind the pair have caused a lot of untold misery and stress for his wife.
Cruel allegations in Harry’s book Spare and the Sussexes’ Netflix series, in particular the duke’s barbed comments that for male members of the royal family “there can be a temptation or an urge to marry someone who would fit the mould – as opposed to somebody who you perhaps are destined to be with” have cut like a knife.
“I don’t think William is in a forgiving mood, any goodwill messages from them would probably be regarded as insincere,” Phil tells.
“The brothers are as far apart as ever and there is no prospect of a reconciliation soon.”
And while family illnesses can sometimes work for the better and cause people to put aside their differences, Phil says there’s no sign Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, feel that way.
“After all, they have never made it up with her father Thomas Markle, despite the fact he has had serious illness,” he adds.
“William will just want them to be out of sight and mind as Kate recovers and concentrates on getting better. The less stress, the better, and unfortunately Harry and Meghan are nothing but trouble to them these days.”
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