Kate Middleton thanks everyone for the congratulations from all over the world after abdominal surgery.
In a statement released by Kensington Palace on Monday, it was announced that the 42-year-old Princess of Wales has returned to Windsor to continue her recovery and that she is “making good progress.”
Amid global concern for her well-being, Kate and her husband, Prince William, expressed their sincere appreciation: “The Welsh family remains grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”
As Kate settles back into her home in Windsor, she gives special thanks to the “hardworking nursing staff” at the London Clinic, where she underwent abdominal surgery on January 16.
As the Queen recovers at home with her family, there is confidence in her resilience.
“Given the length of time, it sounds serious [she’s taking]. But she is in great hands and will have lots of care and support at home and is a fit young woman,” a source close to the royal household tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s issue. “I’m sure she’ll bounce back.”
Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London on December 8th.
James Veysey/Shutterstock
The palace has not revealed the nature of her condition but said it is non-cancerous. A former patient who underwent abdominal surgery at the London Clinic tells PEOPLE that the Princess of Wales received good care there.
Now back at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Princess Kate is finding the space and privacy she needs to heal. She can also rely on her husband, Prince William, and their close-knit family.
“It makes sense to take the time,” says a source close to the royal household. “This is a great example for the rest of us because often you are told to get back to work as quickly as possible, which can be damaging. It's good for all of us to see her taking the time, recovering properly and then coming back. We can all learn from this.
Kate Middleton and Prince William with Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis on December 25, 2023.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
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Prince William is expected to postpone some engagements to be by his wife's side and support their family. A close family friend says the couple doesn't have “a huge private staff” and “which is why William is very active with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.”
Royal biographer Robert Hardman added: “They are a modern royal couple. There would have been more delegation [in the past]. He doesn’t want to leave everything to the nanny.”