Kate Quietly Returned Home to Recuperate Today
While King Charles ran cover for his beloved daughter-in-law.
This morning, royal photographers and reporters gathered en masse behind crowd-barriers opposite the London Clinic. Well wishers and fans helped swell the ranks even further, as police on motorcycles stood in waiting outside the clinic doors. The press and public alike were waiting for the King. Charles III—with Camilla by his side—was due to be discharged following his relatively benign medical procedure. While the front doors of the clinic were closely watched and the street was full of the noise of the gathered crowd, the Princess of Wales, accompanied by Prince William, exited quietly and unobserved from a private back door.
About half an hour later, Kate’s personal assistant, Natasha Archer (and wife to royal photographer Chris Jackson), was photographed driving away from the hospital in a Range Rover, followed closely by another staff-chauffeured vehicle with a flower arrangement in the passenger seat.
As noted in this weekend’s update, today marked fourteen days since Kate entered the hospital—the outside limit that she would stay as predicted by the Palace when it revealed HRH had undergone surgery. This morning, after Kate was safely away, the Palace announced that she had indeed returned home to recuperate.
As I hypothesized, both the King and Kate left on the same day, allowing Charles to run cover for Kate, who clearly wants to remain as under-the-radar as possible. Not too much later in the day, Charles walked out with Queen Camilla at his side, smiling and waving to the gathered press and to well wishers. It provided the papers with pictures to run and content for stories… other than Kate.
I am someone who always wants pictures of Kate, and I certainly would have been delighted had Kate chosen to leave by the front door—mostly to be reassured by seeing her well. But this is certainly one time I am thrilled for her that she was able to make her getaway in secrecy. I think she must feel extremely vulnerable right now. Also, note how King Charles had to steady himself on the hood of his car as he moved around the front to his passenger door. I suspect Kate is looking quite frail right now after two weeks in hospital. I am glad she was able to keep that private, too.
I am also impressed by the teamwork from the royals today, although not at all surprised. Charles and Kate have, reportedly, been close since the early days. Who would have thought he would be able to do her this unusual but good turn? It is kind of beautiful that his health problems enabled him to be of service to her in this way.
There has been no change in the projection that Kate will recuperate in private likely until after Easter. We will keep busy in the interim here at From Berkshire to Buckingham, but I sure am going to miss Kate over the coming months and continue to pray for her speedy and complete recovery.
Monday Memory posts will resume next week!
Lots has been said over the last couple of years about leaks and briefings. So I just want to commend Kate’s team. It has been 2 weeks and there has not been a whisper. No “sources close to the royal”, no “palace aides”, no friends speaking out. Not a peep out of anybody. Kate’s people has really closed ranks around her. It speaks to the close and loyal group of people Kate and William have surrounded themselves with both personally and professionally.
And a special mention to Natasha Archer and Chris Jackson. As Kate’s private secretary/personal assistant Natasha obviously knew that Kate was admitted to hospital and also when she was being discharged, but Chris sat quietly with the other photographers on the other side of the hospital waiting for Charles to leave.
Your perspective on this is just wonderful. I hadn't looked at it as Charles doing his beloved daughter-in-law a good turn but you are exactly right. How fortunate that he could do this kindness for her. My prayers are with Kate. I am so worried that the stress of dealing with the Sussexes and their betrayal has directly or indirectly contributed to this health crisis. I don't know how anyone who works so hard not to put a foot wrong could cope with the pettiness and meanness from that quarter.