Kate Middleton 'Grateful for Well Wishes' as She Continues Recovery at Home Following Surgery

The Princess of Wales "is making good progress" as she recuperates at home following a 13-day hospital stay

Kate Middleton is expressing her gratitude for the outpouring of well wishes from across the globe following abdominal surgery.

In a statement released by Kensington Palace on Monday, it was revealed that the Princess of Wales, 42, returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery and "is making good progress."

In the face of global concern for her well-being, Kate and her husband, Prince William, conveyed their heartfelt appreciation: “The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."

As Kate settles in back at home in Windsor, she also gave a special thanks to the "diligent nursing staff" at the London Clinic, where she underwent abdominal surgery on Jan. 16.

As the royal recovers at home alongside her family, there is confidence in her resilience.

“It does sound serious with the length of time she’s taking. But she is in great hands and will have lots of care and support at home and is a fit young woman,” a source close to the royal household tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s issue. “I am sure she will bounce back.”

The palace has not disclosed the nature of her condition but has stated it is nonc -

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ancerous. A former patient who had abdominal surgery at the London Clinictells PEOPLEthat the Princess of Wales is in good care there.

Now back at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Princess Kate will find the space and privacy needed for healing. She can also lean on her husband,Prince William, and herclose-knit family.

“It is sensible to take the time,” says the source close to the royal household. “That is a great example to the rest of us, as you’re often told to get back to work as soon as possible, which can be damaging. It is good for all of us to see her taking the time, recovering properly and then coming back. We can all learn from that."

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Prince William is expected topostponesome engagements to be by his wife’s side and support their family. A close family friend says the couple doesn’t have “a huge private staff,” and “as a result, William is really hands-on” with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Royal biographer Robert Hardman adds, “They are a modern royal couple. There would have been more delegation in the past. He doesn’t want to leave it all to the nanny.” 

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