Buckingham Palace said Wednesday (Jan 17) that the British head of state King Charles III will be hospitalised next week for a corrective procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.
“The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure,” a statement read.
The palace further mentioned that all the engagements that involved the King would be postponed for a short period of recuperation.
Charles became king on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He is the oldest monarch in British history, having served as the heir apparent for the longest period of time.
Britain’s National Health Service said that benign prostate enlargement is not related to cancer and is “not usually a serious threat to health”. It is common in men aged over 50.
Men with this condition face difficulty in peeing. The urinary stream may be weak or stop and start. It can also lead to infection, bladder stones and reduced kidney function in some cases.
The NHS website said in a report that the cause is unknown, “but it’s believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man gets older”.
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Kate’s health update
In a separate announcement over an hour ago, Kensington Palace announced earlier in the day that the Princess of Wales is facing up to two weeks in hospital and several months’ recuperation after undergoing successful abdominal surgery.
The 42-year-old wife of William, Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne, was admitted to a private clinic in central London on Tuesday, a statement said.
“The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter (on March 31),” the palace added.
(With inputs from agencies)
