In surprise announcements that came within minutes of each other, it was revealed that Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery while King Charles was treated for an enlarged prostate.
Royal expert Tessa Dunlop has explained to OK! the timing was no coincidence: the statements were deliberately coordinated to “protect” the Princess of Wales.
Kate Middleton and King Charles’ health statements
According to historian Tessa Dunlop, the dual announcements were planned by the Palace to direct attention towards Charles’ more “procedural” operation and away from speculation over Kate’s undisclosed procedure.
She said Charles “knows how vital Kate is” to the Royal Family, dubbing her their “workhorse and show pony” who they need to be at “full cylinders”.
The expert explained the King chose to openly share his benign diagnosis to encourage other men to get checked, but also to underline his operation was nothing to worry about if word got out he was hospitalized.
However, details on Kate’s surgery were not shared to give her privacy to fully recover out of the spotlight before resuming royal duties.
Dunlop believes the coordinated statements were to remind the public “they’re more stretched than they’ve ever been” while subtlety asking for compassion towards the older King.
Ultimately though, she said timing around the quietest time of year signals this could have been planned all along.