A change in Prince William’s work team has provided new clues about the illness that forced his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, to undergo abdominal surgery on 16 January.
The day after the operation, Buckingham Palace announced that the future Queen of the UK had undergone a planned operation for a health problem, the cause of which they did not specify, other than to say that she would spend at least two weeks in the London clinic, followed by a long recovery process.
The British royal family itself ruled out revealing details of the Princess’s condition for the time being, claiming that the family wanted privacy during her recovery and to keep the situation as normal as possible for the sake of her three children, George, Charlotte and Louis.
Now, almost a month after the announcement, new details have emerged that could shed light on what really happened to Kate Middleton.
Kate Middleton’s bowel surgery
Prince William has made a major change to his staff.
His private secretary, Jean-Christophe Gray, who previously worked as a spokesman for former Prime Minister David Cameron, will step down from the post he has held since 2021.
He will be replaced by Ian Patrick, a former diplomat with experience in several countries.
What has piqued the interest of the British press is Ian Patrick’s association with a charity that helps people with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
This is Crohn’s & Colitis UK, of which Ian Patrick is a board member.
This has led to speculation about Kate Middleton’s health and possible bowel surgery.
Some media have suggested that the choice of Ian Patrick may be linked to the Princess of Wales’ health.
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and damage to the digestive system, according to the National Institute of Health.
It is a disease that manifests itself with episodes of symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration from patient to patient. It affects about one in 1,000 people worldwide.
In some cases, the disease may require surgery to remove part of the damaged bowel or to create a bowel pouch.
This option can involve a long period of recovery and adjustment, which may explain Kate Middleton’s long absence from public life.
The Princess has neither confirmed nor denied the rumours about her possible Crohn’s disease, but is expected to clarify the reasons for her time off work at some point.
Prince William’s private secretary Jean-Christophe Gray is stepping down.
Ian Patrick, a former Government diplomat, has been appointed to be his new private secretary.
Ian is a trustee for @CrohnsColitisUK and previously worked for former Lib Dem leader Lord Ashdown. He will…
— Gert’s Royals (@Gertsroyals) February 10, 2024