By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-18 16:48:04
Both King Charles III and the Princess of Wales are facing medical issues that will require them to postpone previously scheduled public appearances in the coming weeks.
Next week, Charles will undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate, which is considered benign, according to Buckingham Palace. Meanwhile, the princess, Kate Middleton, will be remaining in a private London hospital for up to two weeks after planned abdominal surgery. She is the wife of Prince William, the heir to the throne.
It is uncommon for members of the royal family to disclose their health details, but the simultaneous announcements may help to prevent speculation if any events involving Charles or Kate need to be rescheduled or canceled in the upcoming weeks.
The publicity around the king’s surgery is being used as an opportunity to encourage other men to have their prostates checked in line with public health advice. The palace emphasized that the 75-year-old monarch sought treatment “in common with thousands of men each year.”
An enlarged prostate is a common condition in men over 50 and affects urination but is not typically a serious health threat. It is not cancerous and does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
The health of Britain’s senior royals has been a topic of significant interest in the U.K. and foreign media in recent years, especially as Queen Elizabeth II’s health declined and when Charles ascended the throne at an older age than most of his contemporaries.
Several events on the monarch’s schedule have already been postponed due to the upcoming surgery, including plans for foreign dignitaries and members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet to travel to Dumfries House in Scotland.
Kate, 42, was admitted to The London Clinic on Tuesday, and her office at Kensington Palace confirmed her admission, stating that her condition was not cancerous. While she has generally been in good health, Kate was previously hospitalized during pregnancy due to severe morning sickness.
Kate has apologized for postponing upcoming engagements, and the palace announced that she will not return to public duties until after Easter.
After Prince Harry and Meghan’s departure to California in 2020, the Prince and Princess of Wales have emerged as some of the most popular members of the royal family. Kate, in particular, has remained a consistent and well-received figure in the public eye as a devoted mother of three and a source of comfort and inspiration in various public appearances.
