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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Palace anger over 'made-up' claims that Princess of Wales was in coma during hospital stay

The Palace has reacted angrily to false claims that were broadcast by Spanish news channel about the Princess of Wales's health.

Kate was admitted to a private London hospital for scheduled surgery to her abdomen on January 16.

The nature of her treatment was not revealed, but Kensington Palace said her condition was non-cancerous.

Shortly after her surgery, the palace issued an update saying she was "doing well" in her recovery.

The future queen was released on Monday to recuperate at home, after a 13-night stay at The London Clinic.

But a day before her release, Spanish journalist Concha Calleja claimed doctors had had to take "drastic" actions, including placing the Princess of Wales, 42, into an induced coma, following her surgery.

During an appearance on a gossip show on news channel Fiesta, Calleja claimed: "There were serious complications that they didn't expect because the operation went well, but the post-operative period didn't go so well."

She also reportedly said "practically an entire hospital" was being set up at the Princess' home in Windsor, to help support her following her discharge.

Calleja's claims have been thrown out by the Palace.

According to the Telegraph, an inside source said: "It's total nonsense.

"No attempt was made by that journalist to fact-check anything that she said with anyone in the household.

"It's fundamentally totally made up, and I'll use polite English here: it's absolutely not the case."

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Monday: “The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress. 

“The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. 

“The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”News of Kate's surgery was announced shortly before the news the King was due to undergo a procedure for an enlarged prostate.

King Charles also left The London Clinic hospital on Monday, three days after he was admitted for treatment.

Charles, 75, emerged from the private hospital near Regent's Park with Queen Camilla just before 3pm on Monday.

After going into hospital, Charles took time to visit Kate as she recovered.

His public engagements will abe postponed for a short period while he recovers.

Meanwhile the recovery period required after Kate's surgery means all her scheduled engagements will be postponed until after Easter, which falls on March 31.

Heir to the throne William will combine being at Kate's side with caring for their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and he has postponed a number of engagements.

There will now be no international travel for the prince and princess in the coming months.

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