King Charles Admitted to Hospital For Scheduled Prostate Operation

King Charles III was admitted to hospital on the morning of Jan. 26 to undergo a planned procedure to correct his enlarged prostate.

"The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment," Buckingham Palace said in a statement. "His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness."

His Majesty, who is 75, was seen entering the private London Clinic hospital alongside his wife, Queen Camilla. Coincidentally, his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate, is currently staying in that same hospital as she recovers from a planned abdominal surgery.

King Charles' need for treatment was announced by Buckingham Palace on Jan. 17. “In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” a statement read. Confirming that His Majesty's condition was benign, the Palace added that "the King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”

An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is so common among men that Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City says that “all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough.”

The medical condition can often make it difficult for people to urinate, and can increase the frequency to which a person has to use the restroom. 

Treatment for an enlarged prostate varies based on symptoms. Medicine can help reduce the size of an enlarged prostate, according to Mount Sinai, though surgery may be necessary to remove extra prostate tissue. 

Regarding King Charles’ medical history, in 2003, he had a 24-hour stay in hospital for a routine hernia operation. In 2008, King Charles had a procedure to remove a small, non-cancerous growth from his nose.