King Charles will go to hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announces – forcing his public engagements to be postponed

King Charles III will go to hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate.

Aides said the king’s condition was benign and he would undergo a corrective procedure. His engagements will be postponed for a short period of recovery.

While the level of detail about Charles’ health is unusual, royal sources said he was keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked, in line with public health advice.

It comes after Kensington Palace said separately at 2pm that the Princess of Wales was being treated in hospital following a successful abdominal operation.

The two announcements came just 90 minutes apart, with Buckingham Palace making the statement on Charles’ health at 3.30pm this afternoon.

Kate, 42, was admitted to the London Clinic yesterday for the planned procedure and is expected to remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days before returning home.

She will then recover and be away from official duties for up to three months.

As for Charles, he had a series of meetings and events planned at Dumfries House in Ayrshire tomorrow and Friday, which have now been postponed on doctor’s advice.

Guests, including foreign dignitaries and members of the Cabinet, were due to travel to Scotland.

The Palace is said to have made the announcement this afternoon to inform them of the situation.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said at 3.30pm today: ‘Like thousands of men every 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 appearances will be postponed for a short period of recovery.”

The 75-year-old monarch acceded to the throne just 16 months ago, after spending 70 years as heir apparent, and was crowned at Westminster Abbey last May.