Catherine, Princess of Wales, in hospital after abdominal surgery

The Princess of Wales is set to remain in hospital for up to two weeks after undergoing abdominal surgery.

Kensington Palace said the procedure was planned and successful, but the princess is not expected to resume her royal duties for months.

The palace did not reveal further details about her condition, but said it was not related to cancer.

A statement added that Catherine (42 years old) would like to apologize for postponing her scheduled engagements.

“Based on current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to her public duties until after Easter,” a statement said.

As is customary for senior royals, the palace has revealed few details about the princess's condition and will not provide ongoing comment on her recovery.

But it is clear from the length of time that Catherine is expected to remain in hospital and the tone of the statement issued by the palace that her health condition is serious.

The surgery – which took place on Tuesday – was significant enough to keep her in hospital for up to two weeks, and her recovery is expected to take up to three months.

Many simple conditions can be treated and the patient sent home soon after.

The Princess had a full diary in December, and there was no suggestion she was ill during her public appearances.

A statement issued by the palace said that the princess “appreciates the interest this statement will arouse” and stressed that she wanted her personal medical information to remain private.

She continued, “She hopes the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normalcy for her children as possible.”

Kensington Palace said it would only provide updates when there was important new information to share.

She is recovering at the London Clinic, near Regent's Park in central London, which describes itself as the largest independent private hospital in the UK.

Television cameras and reporters were seen gathering near the hospital after the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, with a number of police officers deployed in the streets near the building.

The Prince of Wales will not carry out any official duties while his wife is in hospital.

Once released from hospital, the princess is expected to recover at her home in Windsor, where she and Prince William live with their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

Kensington Palace said in the statement issued on Wednesday afternoon: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to a London clinic yesterday for a planned abdominal surgery.

He added: “The surgery was successful and she is expected to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery.”

In its latest statement on King Charles' condition, the palace said his condition was benign and he was undergoing “corrective action.”

The palace said: “Like thousands of men every year, the king seeks treatment for enlarged prostate.”