King Charles III will undergo a “corrective procedure” next week for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday.
The palace says the king’s condition is benign.
The palace says the 75-year-old monarch has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate “in common with thousands of men each year.” It says he will require “a short period of recuperation” after the procedure.
The statement revealing the king’s condition comes after Kensington Palace announced Kate Middleton, also known as Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been hospitalized for abdominal surgery.
The king turned 75 on Nov. 14. The royal was in good spirits as he hosted a tea dance for other 75-year-olds at his Highgrove estate, which was hosted by The King’s Trust. The British monarch was granted a three-tier Victoria sponge cake created by Jan Blackmore from Buttercup Pantry.
The charity, formerly known as The Prince’s Trust, was set up in 1976 to tackle high youth unemployment, Reuters reported. According to the outlet, it helps young people ages 11 to 30 get into education, training and jobs. It has supported over a million people.
The outlet noted that Idris Elba is one of its beneficiaries. The actor, who starred in “The Wire,” used a $1,840 grant to start his career.
The king also launched Coronation Food Project alongside his wife. It aims to tackle food waste in the U.K., and help those faced with hunger. He’s also going to host a reception at Buckingham Palace for nurses and midwives. He concluded his birthday festivities with a private dinner at Clarence House, surrounded by close family and friends.
In 2022, Charles became king upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. England’s longest-reigning monarch died in 2022 at age 96. Charles is the oldest person to ever assume the British throne,
Charles has said he intends to reduce the number of working royals, cut expenses and better represent modern Britain.
This is a developing story. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
