The British monarch, King Charles III, will have a surgical operation to cure an enlarged prostate next week, Buckingham Palace announced Wednesday.
“In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” said a palace statement.
“His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure,” it added.
The 75-year-old monarch’s public engagements will be postponed for “a short period of recuperation,” according to the palace.
Charles became king on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
He is the oldest monarch in British history, having served as the heir apparent for the longest period of time.
The monarch, whose mother died at the age of 96 and his father at the age of 99, has typically been in good health, despite being struck down by coronavirus twice and suffering athletic injuries as a child.
According to Britain’s National Health Service, benign prostate enlargement is common in males over 50, is not linked to cancer, and does not pose a severe health risk.
Symptoms include a frequent desire to pass water and trouble completely emptying the bladder.
According to the NHS website, the reason is unknown, but it is thought to be related to hormonal changes that occur as men age.
The palace statement came just an hour after it was disclosed that the Princess of Wales will spend up to two weeks in the hospital and possibly months recovering from successful stomach surgery.
The 42-year-old wife of William, Prince of Wales, the heir to the British monarchy, was admitted to a private facility in central London on Tuesday, according to Kensington Palace.