Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday that Britain’s King Charles III is scheduled for a hospital visit next week to address his enlarged prostate, leading to the cancellation of his upcoming public engagements.
“In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” stated Buckingham Palace.
“His Majesty’s condition is benign, and he will attend the hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation,” the Palace statement added.
Crowned last year at the age of 74, King Charles inherited the monarchy following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. While generally in good health, he had a non-cancerous growth removed from his face in 2008.
According to CBS, prostate enlargement affects more than one in three British men in their lifetime, commonly associated with ageing, as per Britain’s National Health Service.
“It’s not known why the prostate gets bigger as you get older, but it is not caused by cancer and does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer,” states the NHS on its website.
In another health-related development, the Palace disclosed that the Princess of Wales underwent planned abdominal surgery on Tuesday.
The surgery was deemed successful, and her recovery is expected to last ten to fourteen days. The Princess is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter based on current medical advice.
The statement from Kensington Palace emphasized the Princess’s desire for privacy regarding her medical information.
Updates on her progress will be provided only when there is significant new information to share.
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”
“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.”
“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologize to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible,” the statement concluded.
