Kensington Palace has issued a statement on the health of the Crown Princess. The surgery was successful and she will be in hospital for 10 to 14 days, after which she will return home to continue her recovery.

According to current medical advice, Kate will not be able to return to official duties until after Easter, which is Sunday, March 31 this year, the Palace added.

"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement has generated. Her Royal Highness hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normalcy as possible for her children and her wish that their personal medical information remain private."

The Palace added that it will provide updates on Her Highness' progress only if "there is significant new information to share."

The statement also apologized for forcing Kate to postpone future engagements, adding, "We look forward to resuming (engagements) as soon as possible."

Kate was last seen in public on Christmas Day when she and the rest of the royal family took part in the traditional walk from Sandringham Manor to St. Mary Magdelene Church. Kate's 42nd birthday was January 9, the same week that her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, returned to school in Rum Rook.

We will continue to update this article as developments occur. We wish Her Royal Highness a speedy recovery and keep her in our thoughts and prayers.