Kensington Palace announced the hospitalization of Catherine Middleton, Princess of Wales, in the London Clinic, on Jan. 17. The 42-year-old had undergone “planned abdominal surgery” in the largest independent, private hospital in the UK. 

After the death of Prince Philip on Feb. 9, 2021, Middleton’s role has become more significant as her husband, Prince William of Wales, along with their children, became immediate heir to the throne. Therefore, Middleton’s role as a representative of the people and as role model to Britain’s royal successors is crucial to the prosperity of the future of England. 

Following this news was the promulgation that Prince Charles III will undergo a “corrective procedure” after seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate.

“I believe that the health of the royal family is crucial for maintaining their stability and the peoples’ trust in the British government,” said Dyne Park (10), AP World History student. “This is especially so for this particular royal family because of their history with the most beloved members of the family dying either prematurely or unexpectedly, such as Queen Elizabeth II or Princess Diana.”