Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles III, 75, will undergo a corrective procedure next week for an enlarged prostate.
The Palace said that the King’s condition is benign, aligning with the experiences of thousands of men who seek treatment for an enlarged prostate each year. The condition, while not a serious threat to health, can affect urinary functions and is common among men over 50.
King Charles, diagnosed at his private residence in Balmoral, chose to publicize his condition to encourage other men experiencing similar symptoms to seek medical advice.
A representative from Buckingham Palace stated at 3.30pm on Wednesday: “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.”
The announcement came shortly after Kensington Palace revealed that the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, underwent successful abdominal surgery and will be hospitalized for up to two weeks. The Palace stated that her condition is non-cancerous and expressed her apologies for postponing upcoming engagements.
The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK reassures that an enlarged prostate does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.
The King had several engagements planned for this week, including meetings and events at Dumfries House in Ayrshire. However, these have been postponed on the advice of his doctors to allow for a short recovery period following the procedure. The Palace has not disclosed further details about the surgery but assures that the King’s condition is not serious.
Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in men, especially as they age. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
As men get older, the prostate can grow larger. This enlargement is usually benign, meaning it is not cancerous. However, it can lead to uncomfortable urinary symptoms.
The exact cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it’s believed to be linked to hormonal changes as men age. The growth of the prostate is a natural part of aging and not a precursor to prostate cancer.
Treatment for an enlarged prostate depends on the severity of symptoms. It can range from lifestyle changes and medication to minimally invasive therapies and surgery. Medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are commonly prescribed to relax the bladder or shrink the prostate.