KING Charles, III is set to undergo surgery in hospital next week to treat an enlarged prostate.
This was announced by the Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, January 17.
The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of time to recuperate but the royal announcement detailed that his condition is benign.
The 75-year-old monarch was scheduled to meet foreign dignitaries and cabinet members in Scotland on Thursday, but these meetings had to be cancelled.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), benign prostate cancer (BPE) is common in men aged 50 and above, and it is neither a cancer nor a serious threat to one’s health.
The cause of the condition is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man age’s.
Complications of having BPE can sometimes lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI).
It can also lead to a chronic urinary retention where a person is unable to completely empty urine from the bladder, or acute urinary retention where there is an inability to pass any urine.
UTI – an infection in any part of the urinary system.
Chronic urinary retention – inability to completely empty urine from the bladder.
Acute urinary retention – inability to pass any urine.
By way of King Charles sharing details of his health condition to the public, he could be encouraging other men to have their prostates checked.
Kate Middleton recovering from successful ‘planned’ abdominal surgery
Meanwhile, moments before the Buckingham Palace’s statement, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine, Princess of Wales had undergone a planned abdominal surgery the day before.
However, the public was not informed prior to the event.
After a successful procedure, Kate Middleton is expected to stay at the private London clinic for 10-14 days.
Following this, the princess of Wales will return home to Adelaide cottage on the Windsor Estate to recuperate.
Based on current medical advice, this is likely to take 2-3 months meaning she is unlikely to resume royal duties at least until after Easter.
During this period, Prince William, heir to the throne, will also be cancelling his engagements.
To recall, Kate’s last public appearance was at the royal family’s Christmas celebrations. She also celebrated her 42nd birthday privately at home last week.
Kensington Palace has made it clear that Kate has asked for her personal medical details to remain private.
It can be noted that the royal family is known to keep health matters private.
However, when they are forced to cancel public engagements or when a senior royal is admitted to hospital, the public is generally informed in some way.
