Hey there, let me fill you in on some breaking royal news. King Charles III will soon undergo a medical procedure to address his enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement on Wednesday, January 17. The announcement came just hours after we learned that Princess Kate Middleton had abdominal surgery. It's been quite a week for the royal family, hasn't it?

King Charles III's Upcoming Procedure: What We Know

According to the palace, "Like thousands of men every year, the king has decided to seek treatment for an enlarged prostate." This condition is benign, and Charles will be heading to the hospital next week for a corrective procedure. To ensure a smooth recovery, the king will need to take a short break from his public duties. This means some of his upcoming engagements will be postponed while he focuses on getting back to full health.

Recent Sightings of the King

Just a few days ago, on January 7, Charles attended a Sunday service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, located on the Sandringham estate. He was all smiles, waving to onlookers as he walked through the property grounds. This outing was a solo venture for the king, though he usually visits the church with the royal family during Christmas mass.

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Later this week, Charles was set to travel to Scotland for a series of meetings at Dumfries House, which have now been postponed, according to NBC News. Foreign dignitaries were also expected to attend these events, but plans have been put on hold for the time being.

Encouraging Men to Seek Medical Help

Charles reportedly wants to share his diagnosis openly, aiming to encourage other men experiencing similar symptoms to seek medical attention. This aligns with public health advice and highlights the importance of early detection. Enlarged prostates are most common in men over the age of 60, and symptoms can include a weak urine stream, frequent nighttime urination, and difficulty fully emptying the bladder. According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.

King Charles walking — Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Princess Kate's Recovery Journey

While Charles prepares for his procedure, we also have updates on Princess Kate. She's currently recovering in the hospital after undergoing successful abdominal surgery. Kensington Palace released a statement saying, "Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery went well, and she is expected to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days before heading home to continue her recovery. Based on current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Kate, 42, had been out of the public eye for more than 20 days leading up to her surgery. The palace also mentioned, "The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes the public understands her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."