UK's Camilla recovering after hysterectomy

LONDON, Mar 5 (Reuters) Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, wife of Britain's heir to the throne Prince Charles, had a hysterectomy at a London hospital today, Charles' office said.

''She is recovering well,'' a Clarence House spokeswoman said.

''She is expected to stay in hospital for the rest of the week.'' Charles went with her to the private King Edward VII's Hospital yesterday.

The operation was carried out by consultants Michael Dooley and Marcus Setchell, Queen Elizabeth's gynaecologist.

The royal family said last month Camilla would have the operation after returning from a visit to the West Asia with Charles.

Charles' office said the procedure, which involves the womb being removed, was a ''routine scheduled operation''. It is performed on one British woman in five above the age of 55.

REUTERS SP KN2041