The Prince of Wales was apparently in high spirits on Saturday as he left hospital after a hernia operation, taking time to joke to reporters and well-wishers: "Hernia today, gone tomorrow."
Charles smiled and waved to onlookers outside London's King Edward VII Hospital after his overnight stay, which followed Friday's procedure. The surgery, which is considered routine, was deemed a success.
The 54-year-old royal hospital alone, although his companion Camilla Parker-Bowles had accompanied him when he was admitted the day before. The appearance was a first for Camilla, who had previously only been photographed with Charles at official functions – royal watchers note the gesture was a very public move forward for the couple.
All of Prince Charles' engagements have been put on hold until Tuesday, April 8. In the meantime, he is expected to finish his recovery at Balmoral in Scotland.
The Prince is the second member of the royal family to be waylaid by an operation this year. His mother, the Queen, took a two-week respite from engagements after she underwent knee surgery at the same hospital in January.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
