King Charles has spent a third night in hospital following his procedure to treat an enlarged prostate, with an insider admitting the development was the cause of “some unease”.
Charles was on Sunday visited twice by Queen Camilla, the third and fourth times she has been to see him at the London Clinic since they arrived on Friday.
Camilla smiled as she arrived at private hospital, in Devonshire Place in central London by car at midday on Sunday, leaving again just over three hours later.
She returned between 6pm and 7pm and was smiling as she left. It is the same hospital where the Princess of Wales is being cared for after “planned” abdominal surgery.
Camilla told those inside the clinic on Friday the King was “doing well” after the procedure. However, one source told The Sun: “It is understood that Charles would only stay in hospital for longer than two nights if there was some kind of unexpected issue.
“The extra stay is entirely precautionary but has nevertheless reportedly caused some unease. They added: “It’s now expected Charles will have to avoid public jobs for at least a month on medical advice.
“But knowing the King, he will try to keep some private audiences and insist on keeping on top of his paperwork.”
After being admitted on Friday, Charles took time to visit his daughter-in-law, Kate, who is now on the 14th day of her hospital stay after undergoing a major operation last week.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman previously said the King was “admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment”.
The spokesman added: “His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”
It is not known exactly how long Charles will spend in hospital. The King arrived in London from Norfolk on Thursday, ready for the procedure after squeezing in a couple of behind-the-scenes official duties.
He was diagnosed with the benign condition on January 17 while staying at Birkhall, Aberdeenshire, after going for a check-up because he was experiencing symptoms.
He is understood to have wanted to share the news to encourage other men to get themselves checked.
Charles, 75, who acceded to the throne only 16 months ago, cancelled engagements and was urged to rest by his doctors ahead of the corrective procedure. The exact nature of his treatment is not known.
NHS England said the “enlarged prostate” page on the NHS website received one visit every five seconds on the day the King’s diagnosis was announced, with further huge boosts in visits in the days that followed.
The Queen had previously said her husband is “fine” and looking forward to getting back to work.
News of his diagnosis came on the same day that Kensington Palace announced the princess was in hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery.
Kate, 42, is not expected to carry out official engagements until after Easter, with the Prince of Wales clearing his diary of official duties for the time being.
