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Since Kate Middleton returned home to Windsor to recover from abdominal surgery, Prince William has carried out select public engagements while also focusing on his family. However, today the Prince was unexpectedly forced to pull out of a planned appearance at a Thanksgiving Service, with the Palace citing a personal matter as the reason.


Prince William was scheduled to join Queen Camilla and other royals for a service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor this morning to celebrate the life of King Constantine of the Hellenes, who died last January and was William’s godfather. But just before the service began Kensington Palace let reporters know that William would not be going due to a personal matter. It is understood the Prince called King Constantine’s family personally to let them know.


Given the concern over Kate and the likelihood of speculation that this could have something to do with her recovery, a Palace aide added that she “continues to be doing well.” The Princess has not been seen publicly since her surgery, which took place at the London Clinic on January 16. Her last public appearance was on Christmas Day last year when the royal family walked to church from Sandringham House.

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The Princess of Wales alongside Princess Charlotte and Prince George on Christmas morning.


Kensington Palace has made it clear that they do not intend to give regular updates on her recovery. They said when her surgery was announced, the day after it took place, that she was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter. Kate has chosen not to make her condition public, with the Palace saying,"She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”


The news came at the same time as King Charles was forced to pull out of public engagements due to being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer. Queen Camilla has continued with a busy program. Prince William has carried out some engagements, including investitures, but he has modified his timetable to support his young family. His last appearance was at the BAFTAs on Sunday evening.