KING'S OP
King Charles to be treated for ‘enlarged prostate’ as palace reveals he will undergo ‘corrective procedure’
Announcement comes as Princess Kate was admitted to hospital for 14 days after surgery
KING Charles is to be treated for an "enlarged prostate" and will undergo a "corrective procedure".
The monarch, 75, will postpone public engagements for a short period of recuperation, a statement from Buckingham Palace said.
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Charles' condition is understood to be benign and he will be having the procedure next week.
A statement added: ";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 hospital next week for a corrective procedure.
"The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
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The monarch had been due to hold a series of meetings and events at Dumfries House on Thursday and Friday, but these have now been postponed.
Guests, including foreign dignitaries and members of the Cabinet, had been due to travel to Scotland.
The Palace subsequently made the announcement to allow for them to be made aware of the situation ahead of time.
King Charles acceded to the throne 16 months ago after spending 70 years as the heir and was crowned last May in Westminster Abbey.
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He is said to have been keen to share details of the diagnosis in order to encourage other men experiencing symptoms to get checked.
The announcement came 90 minutes after Kensington Palace confirmed the Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery yesterday.
A statement said Kate will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days following the successful procedure.
The royal mum-of-three was taken to The London Clinic yesterday for a planned abdominal surgery.
It is understood Prince William was by Kate's side yesterday but could not be there during the operation.
She will be recuperating and away from official duties for up to three months.
What is an enlarged prostate?
THE prostate is a small gland found in the pelvis between the penis and the bladder.
If it becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the bladder and the urethra - the tube that urine passes through.
The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
It may affect how you go to the toilet. You might notice you have:
- Difficulty starting to pee
- A frequent need to pee, especially at night
- Problems fully emptying your bladder
- A weak flow
- Dribbling urine after you finish
- A sudden urge to urinate
An enlarged prostate is very common in men over the age of 50.
It is not cancerous, and it is not usually serious, though some men require treatment to lessen their symptoms. This might include medication or surgery.
Most sufferers are also encouraged to drink less alcohol and exercise more.
The exact cause isn't known, but doctors believe it is linked to hormonal changes due to age.
Complications are rare, but include urinary tract infections (UTIs), chronic urinary retention (when you cannot empty your bladder fully), and acute urinary retention (the sudden inability to pass any urine).
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