Charles is set for procedure on his enlarged prostate

Common ailment as men grow old

medical matter of the Princess’s is staying completely private.

The length of time Kate will be required to stay in hospital tells us something of the seriousness of her surgery, as well as the weeks she will spend recovering.

The timing of yesterday’s announcement for the King’s

upcoming hospital stay for a benign prostate procedure may have sent the palaces into a flutter.

But Charles should be commended for his desire to spread awareness of symptoms that are worth being checked out by doctors.

We wish them both all the best for a speedy recovery.

THE King is to be treated in hospital next week for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace has revealed.

The Palace said Charles’s condition was benign and he would be having a corrective procedure.

The 75-year-old’s engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.

The news came just 90 minutes after Kensington Palace yesterday announced that the Princess of Wales was recovering in hospital after abdominal surgery.

It is understood the King, currently at Birkhall, his private home at Balmoral, got the diagnosis yesterday.

The announcement was made on the same day as Kate’s hospital stay because guests, including foreign dignitaries and members of the Cabinet, were due to travel to

Scotland and needed to be made aware of the situation.

A Buckingham Palace statement said: “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.”

It is understood Charles was keen to share his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked.

Buckingham Palace said it did not anticipate any Counsellors of State being needed to step in for the King on official duties while he is being treated.

King needs procedure

King driving near Balmoral on Sunday

AN enlarged prostate becomes more common with age, and will affect up to four in five men aged 75.

The most common sign is a change in how you pee, because the prostate – a gland between the penis and the bladder – can put pressure on the urethra.

Symptoms can include a weak flow, a feeling your bladder has not emptied properly, difficulty starting or stopping, and needing to go more often.

Treatment options range from lifestyle changes such as drinking less alcohol, to surgery involving removing part of the prostate with lasers.