King Charles is set to undergo surgery in the hospital next week due to an enlarged prostate. All of the King's upcoming public engagements have been postponed. Buckingham Palace stated: "Like thousands of men each year, the King sought treatment for an enlarged prostate." It added: "His Majesty's condition is benign, and he will enter the hospital next week for corrective surgery."
This news comes less than two hours after the announcement that his son’s wife, Kate, Princess of Wales, underwent abdominal surgery and will remain in the hospital for up to 14 days. Charles (75 years old) had several scheduled engagements this week, but they have been postponed based on his doctor's advice to allow for a short recovery period, prompting the palace to issue an announcement on Wednesday.
Royal family members typically do not disclose details about their medical conditions, treating all health matters as private. However, the palace indicated that King Charles is eager to share details to encourage other men experiencing symptoms to have their condition checked.
The UK's National Health Service describes benign prostatic enlargement as a condition that can affect urination and is common in men over 50. The agency's website notes that "it is not cancer and usually does not pose a serious health threat... Many men worry that an enlarged prostate means they are more likely to develop prostate cancer. But this is not true."
Charles became king of the UK in September 2022 after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth. Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday that "Kate, Princess of Wales, wife of the heir to the British throne, Prince William, has undergone successful abdominal surgery and will remain in the hospital for up to two weeks."
