King Charles III is the second member of the British royal family to undergo a medical procedure this month.
Buckingham Palace announced Wednesday that His Royal Highness, 75, has “sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.”
“His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure,” the statement adds.
The palace also notes that an enlarged prostate is “common with thousands of men each year,” seemingly to avoid causing serious concern about Charles’ condition.
According to medical experts, an enlarged prostate – or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – affects around 80 percent of men over the age of 70.
Some of the reported issues it can cause includes “increased urinary frequency, urgency and an inability to completely empty the bladder.”
The news about Charles’ health struggles comes within hours of the announcement that Kate Middleton underwent “planned abdominal surgery.”
“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,” a statement on behalf of the Princess of Wales read.
Middleton, 42, encouraged people to “maintain as much normality for her children as possible,” noting that she is aware the statement will generate a lot of “interest.”
She added she’d like her medical information to remain “private,” seemingly getting ahead of any leaks.
Middleton showed no indication that she was dealing with any health issues. Earlier this month, she reportedly celebrated a “low key” and relaxed birthday at home.
Charles, for his part, was out and about as recently as this past Sunday.
The King’s Instagram shared a photo of him going to church service at Crathie Kirk on the Balmoral Estate in Scotland with wife Queen Camilla.
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He appeared in good spirits as he was behind the wheel of the car, driving to the religious gathering.
Although Charles was coronated as king in May 2023 at a much older age than his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, he had not shown any serious signs of health issues – aside from his viral “sausage fingers.”
The father of two’s swollen digits could be due to water retention, arthritis or an allergic reaction, but one physician claimed there was no cause for alarm.
Dr. Gareth Nye previously told the Daily Star, “There aren’t any immediate health concerns to be concluded from swollen fingers and is most likely a sign of his age.”