...King of England, Scotland, Ireland -- at least part of it -- Wales, Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, and places like that. The first King Chuck had his head chopped off, the second one was Good Time Charlie. The third once wanted to be a tampon and thinks we'll all be extinct within the next seven years...III and the Princess of Wales are both dealing with medical issues that will force them to delay previously planned public engagements over the coming weeks.
Charles will undergo a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate next week, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday. The palace said the king's condition is benign.
Moments earlier, the princess' office announced that Kate would remain at a private hospital in London for up to two weeks after undergoing planned abdominal surgery. The princess, formerly Kate Middleton, is the wife of Prince William, the heir to the throne.
While it is somewhat unusual for members of the royal family to release details about their health, the twin announcements may help to avoid speculation if events featuring Charles or Kate have to be postponed or canceled over the coming weeks.
The publicity around the king's surgery is seen as an opportunity to encourage other men to have their prostates checked in line with public health advice. The 75-year-old monarch sought treatment "in common with thousands of men each year," the palace said.
An enlarged prostate is common in men over age 50. The condition affects how one urinates and isn't usually a serious health threat. It's not cancer and doesn't lead to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
The U.K. and foreign media have been focused on the health of Britannia's senior royals in recent years, first as the late Queen Elizabeth II faded from public view during the last months of her 70-year reign, then when Charles ascended the throne at an age when most of his contemporaries were long retired.