Kate Middleton's 'old friends' keeping her in 'good spirits' with 'fabulous' gifts and hampers after surgery, royal expert says
Kate Middleton's recovery will have been full of thoughtful gifts and support from her inner circle, according to a royal expert


Kate Middleton's surgery recovery will have been aided by some of her close friends doting on her with 'fabulous' gifts and 'delicious' hampers, according to a royal expert.
Last month it was announced by Kensington Palace that Kate Middleton was in hospital recovering from planned' abdominal surgery and that she would be stepping away from her usual royal duties for the time being. It has since been revealed that she is now in 'steady recovery' and has been recuperating with her family in Norfolk - and she has no doubt been supported and pampered by her close group of old friends, according to a royal expert.
Speaking to OK! , former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explained, "I’m sure these old friends would know exactly how to keep Kate’s spirits up after such major surgery.
"They have probably pampered her with fabulous gifts of luxurious spa products and hampers of delicious goodies to tempt her tastebuds. They know what she might like to watch on TV or to read, and may have been sending recommendations and encouraging her to rest and take the time out she needs."
Jennie also added that Amner Hall and the Royal Family's Sandringham Estate is the perfect place for the busy mother-of-three to recover, as it's far more secluded than the Wales family's Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
"Windsor is lovely, and they have a beautiful house, of course. But it’s also on the Heathrow flight path and that can be very intrusive," Jennie said. "William and Kate find all they want as a family in the wide open spaces that Norfolk offers."
"It’s very encouraging that Kate was well enough to make the trip to Sandringham. It shows that she is making a steady recovery. Also, the change will probably be most welcome to her... the same four walls must get a bit tedious when you’re recuperating as she is," the royal journalist concluded.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Gilded Youth: An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family by Tom Quinn | £17.59 at Amazon
Exploring what it's like to grow up in the Royal Family, Tom Quinn brings together historical sources with testimonies from palace staff. There are tales of royal mischievousness, including surprising anecdotes about Queen Elizabeth and Prince William, and it's shocking, funny and insightful all at once.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe also spoke to OK!, revealing that Catherine's family will also be key during this time.
"One reason Kate has made such a success of her royal role is because she has a strong inner circle – and it extends way beyond her parents and siblings," he said. "Carole and Pippa have obviously been on hand during Kate’s recovery, I’m sure Carole must have been very worried about her daughter and has probably been clucking around like a mother hen."
"But sometimes, your oldest friends – who’ve been with you through thick and thin – are just the ticket. Kate has maintained deep friendships with several of her school mates, who obviously knew her way before royalty came her way, so they’ll know just how to help," he added, confirming Jennie's theories about her close knit group.
Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.
-
Katie Holmes broke an unspoken fashion rule in tights and mules - her shoes are available for less than £100 on Amazon
The statement gold kitten heels are a surprisingly versatile spring staple
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
The diet linked to longer and better sleep, revealed by new study
The study looked at data from tracking apps to see what foods were more likely to lead to better sleep
By Kat Storr Published
-
Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie prove that buying items you love in multiple colours can really pay off
They've shown that having your favourite pieces in several shades can be so handy if they're true to your signature style
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Remember Kate Middleton's baby pink McQueen suit? I've found a dreamy Mango lookalike
The Princess of Wales's pastel pink suit was a show-stopping spring outfit and I've found something very similar at Mango
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton addresses family move and why she and Prince William swapped London for Windsor
The Princess of Wales has explained why she and Prince William moved to Berkshire in 2022 and it makes complete sense
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
We never thought we’d love jewel tones in spring but Kate Middleton’s green St Patrick’s day outfit makes it look so elegant
The Princess of Wales stepped out on St Patrick's Day wearing a gorgeous bottle green coat and matching accessories
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What wedges does Kate Middleton wear? Where to buy her summer shoe staples
Kate Middleton's wedges are an elegant option for the summer months and there are certain designs she's had in her collection for years
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What Missoma earrings does Kate Middleton have? The two affordable go-tos the Princess of Wales wears on repeat
The Princess of Wales has an extensive royal jewellery collection but her affordable Missoma pieces are some of her most-worn
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's pancake confession is one of the most relatable royal food revelations we've heard
The Princess of Wales once put her pancake flipping skills to the test at engagement and made a candid admission
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's pink gingham blouse was the chicest baking outfit ever - now it's back for spring we're picking it up
The Princess of Wales' Brora gingham blouse sold out when she wore it back in 2022 but we've noticed it's back right now
By Emma Shacklock Published