King Charles III, aged 75, is set to undergo a medical procedure to address an enlarged prostate, according to statements released by royal officials. The announcement coincides with another health concern within the British royal family, as Catherine, Princess of Wales, commonly known as Kate, recovers from abdominal surgery.
The disclosure of these health issues came in separate statements issued by Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, representing a noteworthy departure from the typical discretion maintained by royal officials regarding personal health matters.
King Charles III is scheduled for hospitalization next week, while Kate was recently admitted to a private clinic in London. Her recovery period is expected to span up to two weeks in the hospital, followed by several months of recuperation. Notably, the palace emphasized that her surgery was unrelated to cancer.
Since assuming the role of king following the demise of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, at the age when most individuals retire, Charles has actively engaged in his responsibilities. As the head of state for 14 nations beyond the United Kingdom, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, he also holds the position of head of the 56-member Commonwealth, representing 2.4 billion people. Additionally, he serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the mother church of the global Anglican communion.
The last public appearance of King Charles III was alongside other senior royals, including Kate, at a Christmas Day service held at his Sandringham estate in eastern England.
A statement from the palace clarified, “In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. 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.”
Benign prostate enlargement is a prevalent condition in men aged over 50 and is generally not considered a serious health threat or an increased risk for prostate cancer. Enlargement of the prostate gland can exert pressure on the bladder and urethra, impacting urination. The causes of prostate enlargement remain unknown but are believed to be associated with hormonal changes as individuals age, according to the UK’s National Health Service.
Reports from UK royal correspondents suggest that Charles was motivated to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men experiencing similar symptoms to undergo medical evaluations.
