Kate is a force of nature but strain of life catches up with us all

Strong, athletic, dutiful, and always impeccable, the Princess of Wales is an impressive woman. But, unfortunately, force of nature is as vulnerable as anyone else in the face of a medical crisis.

-  JESSICA BOULTON

At 42, she is at the peak of her powers, busy with her royal duties and caring for her three children while coping with her fractious in-laws.

A keen sportswoman, we have seen her play tennis and hockey, row on the Thames, run round athletics tracks and even abseil down cliffs.

When it comes to sporty photo - opportunities, she rarely fails to put William in his place.

But the stresses and strains of a busy life can take a toll.

Details of her medical condition will not be fully known until she discusses it herself.

But people reading news of her scheduled abdominal surgery, followed by 10 to 14 days in hospital and two months off engagements, will realise this is no simple procedure.

Our future Queen has had major surgery. Hopefully, Kate will one day be open to talking about this experience to bring comfort to others going through a similar ordeal.

For as she has shown with the issue of mental health, and so many other causes she is involved with, there is never any need for shame or embarrassment.

The late Princess Diana would surely be impressed with the way Kate handles herself. And while Kate's normally good health will no doubt be a huge help to see her through this, it's going to be a difficult few months ahead.

The statement from Kensington Palace says it all. Her priority, as ever, is her children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

The statement said: "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible." It's a sentiment any mother would appreciate.