Princess of Wales leaves hospital after surgery

LONDON, Jan 29 (AFP): Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, has left hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery, her Kensington Palace office said on Monday, adding that she was making "good progress" at home.

The 42-year-old princess, whose husband is Prince William, heir to the British throne, was treated at a private London hospital nearly two weeks ago.

She has now returned home to Windsor, west of London, to continue her recovery, according to a palace statement.

Previously, officials had said she would need several months' recuperation.

Kate and William sent a "huge thank you" to hospital staff, and said the family "continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world".

At the time of her operation, Kensington Palace stressed that her condition was not linked to cancer, without elaborating.

After hearing of her departure from hospital, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's official spokesman told reporters: "That would be welcome news both to the royal family and I'm sure to the public more widely."