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Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or hyperplasia, is common in older males. About five in 10 males aged over 50 and more than eight in 10 males aged over 80 have some symptoms.
While it is not usually a serious threat to health, it can cause problems, including difficulty passing urine or emptying the bladder. The condition does not mean the patient has an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Police officers standing outside The London Clinic.Credit: Getty Images
Kensington Palace said Catherine was admitted to the London Clinic, a private hospital in the British capital, on Tuesday, and was expected to remain there for 10 to 14 days of treatment before returning home to recover.
No details of the surgery were given, but a palace spokesman said the condition was non-cancerous.
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate,” the statement said. “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”
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Her office said it would only provide updates on her progress when there was “significant new information to share”. It added that, on medical advice, she was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
William was reported to be committed to staying by her side as much as possible and had also cleared many of his forthcoming duties, with an official visit to Rome now in doubt.
The princess apologised for postponing appointments and said that she would return to public duties soon.
Catherine celebrated her birthday on Tuesday last week and spent the day with her family at their home in Windsor.
Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, has been hospitalised for planned abdominal surgery and will remain at The London Clinic for up to two weeks.Credit: AP
Marking the occasion, the royal family’s official Instagram account shared a behind-the-scenes photograph from the King’s coronation with the caption: “Wishing the Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today.”
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The Wales have three children – Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte. Catherine spent four days in hospital in 2012 suffering from severe morning sickness while pregnant with George, her eldest.