KING Charles is set to miss a month of royal engagements while he recovers from his prostate operation.
Devoted wife Queen Camilla urged the Monarch, 75, to take it easy after arriving at The London Clinic in Marylebone on Friday.
The Queen was spotted arriving to visit Charles this afternoon as he spends his third day in the facility.
It is the fourth time she has been since His Majesty was admitted, and she told well-wishers “he’s fine, thank you” when she first left the premises at 3.10pm on Friday.
Charles’ shock diagnosis followed tiring State Visits to France, Germany and Kenya in 2023 and an insider said: “The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.”
Sources close to the King say he “likes to be busy” and is “raring to go” and has been reading his government Red Boxes.
However, standard procedure for the planned “corrective surgery” advises patients rest up for three to four weeks.
It is also common for those who have undergone the operation to feel “under the weather” for the first fortnight.
The NHS guidance states moving heavy objects or strenuous exercise should be avoided during this period of recuperation.
THE prostate is a small gland found in the pelvis between the penis and the bladder.
If it becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the bladder and the urethra – the tube that urine passes through.
The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
It may affect how you go to the toilet. You might notice you have:
An enlarged prostate is very common in men over the age of 50.
It is not cancerous, and it is not usually serious, though some men require treatment to lessen their symptoms. This might include medication or surgery.
Most sufferers are also encouraged to drink less alcohol and exercise more.
The exact cause isn’t known, but doctors believe it is linked to hormonal changes due to age.
Complications are rare, but include urinary tract infections (UTIs), chronic urinary retention (when you cannot empty your bladder fully), and acute urinary retention (the sudden inability to pass any urine).
It is understood the King will be able to tend to state matters while at The London Clinic.
A statement from Buckingham Palace released on January 17 read: “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.
“In guidance: His Majesty was keen to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice.”
The King cancelled a sting of meetings and events planned at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire the week before his operation, on doctors’ advice.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate, who is also staying at The London Clinic after a planned abdominal surgery on January 16, is expected to spend up to 14 days at the facility.
The Royal mum-of-three, 42, is said to be taking a step back from public duties until March.
Kate is now expected to miss upcoming events including the BAFTA’s on February 18 and St David’s Day parade March 1.
The mum-of-three is also expected to be absent from the St Patrick’s Day parade on March 17, and Church on Easter Sunday on March 31.
She may have to sit out of Prince Edward’s 60th birthday celebrations on March 10 too.
A statement from the Palace read: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.
“She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.
“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
Sources claimed at the weekend that the Princess’ commitment to her royal duties will see her get back into work as soon as she can.
She is said to have plans to work from bed once she arrives home from her surgery.
Husband Prince William, 41, has visited her every day at the clinic in Marylebone, central London and is also stepping back to take care of their children.
With King Charles and the Princess of Wales undergoing surgery at the same hospital, here is a timeline of the health troubles facing the two royals.
Tuesday, January 16: Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery.
Wednesday, January 17: Kensington Palace announces the princess’ operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days.
Over an hour later, Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days.
Thursday, January 18: Prince William spends time at his wife’s bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
The Queen says the King is “fine” and “looking forward to getting back to work” during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery
Friday, January 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure.
Monday, January 22: The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is “fine”, and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon.
Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: “The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.”
Thursday, January 25: The King arrives back in London from Sandringham ready for his treatment.
Friday, January 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital.
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