King Charles pleaded with his feuding sons Prince William and Prince Harry “not to make his final years a misery” just a few years before problems with an enlarged prostate landed him in hospital.
It was reported yesterday that the King would undergo a corrective procedure next week for his prostate issues, meaning he will be out of action for at least a few days as he recuperates.
Kensington Palace also released a statement saying that Princess Kate is recovering from successful abdominal surgery at The London Clinic, but following medical advice she is not expected to be back out on royal duty until after Easter.
The past few years have seen great tumult and change for the Royal Family, and now two of its most senior members are incapacitated while William and Harry remain at loggerheads.
Back in April 2021, following the death of Charles’s father Prince Philip, the now-King held a meeting with his sons during which he begged them: “Please boys, don’t make my final years a misery.”
Sadly Charles’s intervention did not have have the desired effect, as almost three years on the relationship between the brothers has not been patched up.
In his memoir Spare Harry alleged that William and Kate were not exactly welcoming to Meghan Markle when they were first introduced, and his decision to leave the Firm pushed them further apart.
While Kate is in hospital William will also be cancelling or postponing any royal engagements in order to take time off to look after Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
It is understood that Kate will spend 10-14 days in hospital before returning home to Windsor to continue her recovery, although she is not expected to resume her royal engagements for some months.
While the Palace have seemingly confirmed that her operation is not related to cancer, they have not detailed exactly why Kate has undergone the surgery.
Regarding the King an official statement read: “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.”
It is unusual for the Palace to give such detail on a health matter, but Charles wishes to share his diagnosis to encourage other men to get themselves checked.
The King is currently staying in Scotland and had a number of meetings planned at Dumfries House over the next couple of days, however it is understood these have been postponed.
Without the King or the Princess of Wales the burden of royal duty will fall to other senior members of the Firm such as Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
