Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, 83, underwent an operation on her left ear at Leiden University Medical Center on Friday.
The former monarch’s operation was to remove a cholesteatoma – an abnormal collection of skin cells – from the ear. The condition is a persistent middle ear infection that can lead to hearing loss.
Dr EF Hensen and Dr AGL van der Mey performed the surgery, and Beatrix spent last night in hospital. The Government Information Service, RVD, did not say how the royal was doing after her surgery.
Princess Beatrix is expected to be released from hospital today.
Leiden University Medical Center is located in Leiden – around 20 kilometres from The Hague and a little over 20 kilometres from Baarn, where Princess Beatrix resides at Drakensteyn Castle.
Princess Beatrix reigned as Queen of the Netherlands for 33 years. She came to the throne after the abdication of her mother, Juliana, in 1980. Beatrix abdicated in favour of her eldest son, Willem-Alexander, on 30 April 2013.
Since her abdication, the Princess undertakes limited events. Beatrix’s last engagement was in May when she volunteered with the Orange Fund for their annual volunteer day.
