King Charles arrives back in London from Sandringham as he faces prostate op this week
KING Charles has arrived back in London from Sandringham ahead of his prostate operation.
The 75-year-old monarch has been absent from royal duties while he awaits hospital treatment for an “enlarged prostate”.
Buckingham Palace revealed last week that Charles had been forced to cancel engagements for the “corrective procedure”.
At the weekend Queen Camilla told well-wishers in Swindon that Charles is “fine”.
A statement last week said: “In common with thousands of men each 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 engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
Charles’ scare was revealed the same day Kensington Palace announced Princess Kate had undergone an abdominal surgery.
The Princess of Wales underwent the planned operation on January 16 and is recovering at the private London Clinic.
Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that Kate had undergone the surgery, but confirmed it was not related in any way to cancer.
Prince Harry has failed to publicly send his best wishes to his dad and sister-in-law.
But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to have reached out to “both parties in different pays to pass on their concern and best wishes”.
And in another health fright for the royals last week, it was revealed last week that Sarah Ferguson has been battling an aggressive skin cancer.
The Sun revealed Fergie, the Duchess of York, was battling cancer for the second time in just six months.
The 64-year-old had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma after a mole was removed as she underwent treatment for breast cancer.
Sarah encouraged everyone to check the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles to catch any potential skin cancer early.
What is an enlarged prostate?
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:
- Difficulty starting to pee
- A frequent need to pee, especially at night
- Problems fully emptying your bladder
- A weak flow
- Dribbling urine after you finish
- A sudden urge to urinate
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).
