King Charles is being praised for breaking royal tradition by sharing details of his prostate condition in a bid to get more men to check symptoms following the death of close friend Robin Page from cancer

King Charles has been praised for breaking royal tradition by sharing details of his prostate condition with the public.

The king revealed yesterday that he had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and would go to hospital for treatment next week. Aides said the king's condition was benign and he would undergo a corrective procedure.

While details of Charles' health are unusual, royal sources said he was “very keen” to share his condition with the country to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice.

Cancer charities last night thanked the 75-year-old monarch for helping to 'shine a light' on prostate conditions, which are often seen as taboo, by breaking royal tradition and speaking out openly about his diagnosis.

It comes after one of the King's close friends – former TV presenter Robin Page, 80 – died in May last year after an 18-month battle with prostate cancer.

Ali Orhan, CEO of Orchid, Britain's leading charity for men affected by cancer, said: 'Anything that shines a light on these types of prostate conditions can only be a good thing.

'Now that a figurehead like King Charles is coming forward and speaking so openly about this condition, it helps to normalize it.

'It shows men that this disease is not a sign of weakness, even a king can have such a condition.

He added: 'It also shows men that it doesn't always have to be cancer and will encourage more men to seek help if they have symptoms.'

Oliver Kemp, CEO of Prostate Cancer Research, said: 'King Charles is absolutely right to encourage men to discuss any symptoms they are experiencing with their GP.

'Fortunately this case is benign, but one in eight men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime.

'It is always better to get examined quickly to reduce the chance of any problems becoming more serious. We wish His Majesty a speedy recovery.”

Charles is likely to miss Burns Night celebrations, the performance of Investitures and 'meetings planned at Dumfries House tomorrow' – after it was announced he will go to hospital next week to be treated for his enlarged prostate.

Charles had a series of meetings and events planned at Dumfries House tomorrow and Friday, which have now been postponed on doctor's advice. Guests, including foreign dignitaries and cabinet members, were expected to travel to the events.

The king's public appearances will also be postponed for a short period of recovery, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

This could rule out the monarch holding upcoming investitures and also celebrating Burns Night on January 25, an annual holiday that toasts Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns. In the past, Charles has celebrated the holiday publicly.

Charles is also patron of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and last year the King and Queen welcomed survivors for an audience at Buckingham Palace to mark the day, which falls on Saturday, January 27.

If the procedure is carried out late next week, it seems likely he will not be able to celebrate the day publicly.

So far this year the King has only been photographed three times – the first was a visit to Flitcham Church of England Primary Academy on January 5, where he opened the new library, called The Coronation Library, in his honour.

After the trip to the school in Norfolk, he was seen at a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on January 7. He was also pictured going to Crathie Kirk near Balmoral to attend church on January 14.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said at 3.30pm on Wednesday: 'Like thousands of men every 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. The King's public appearances will be postponed for a short period of recovery.”

It comes as Kensington Palace separately revealed yesterday that the Princess of Wales was being treated in hospital following a successful abdominal operation.

Kate, 42, was admitted to the London Clinic yesterday for the planned procedure and is expected to remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days before returning home. She will then recover and be away from official duties for up to three months.

Kate is not expected to return to public events until after Easter, and her husband Prince William will be by his wife and children's side throughout.

The two health updates on senior royals came within 90 minutes of each other, with Kensington Palace first at 2pm and Buckingham Palace at 3.30pm.

Kate was not rushed to hospital and according to reports, her condition was not something that developed over the weekend.

The prince will also postpone a number of appointments to support his family, and will not take on any official duties while his wife is in hospital.

He will also not perform any official duties in the immediate period following Kate's return home. Royal aides will provide a revised schedule for William in due course.

Kate has a close bond with her family, and her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton will join her and help support her recovery at the Waleses' home in Windsor.

Neither William nor Kate will be traveling internationally in the coming months.

William and Kate were said to be planning a high-profile visit to Rome this spring as part of a European charm offensive, but that is now in doubt.

The princess celebrated her birthday just over a week ago, with the monarchy's official social media accounts sharing a new behind-the-scenes photo of the princess at the king's coronation.

Kate is generally in good health, but was hospitalized earlier in her pregnancy after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe morning sickness.

A palace spokesperson said at 2pm on Wednesday: 'Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to the London Clinic yesterday for a planned abdominal operation.

'The operation was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on current medical advice, it is unlikely that she will resume her public duties until after Easter.

“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normalcy as possible for her children; and her desire for her personal medical information to remain private.

'Kensington Palace will therefore only provide updates on Her Royal Highness's progress if there is important new information to share.

“The Princess of Wales would like to apologize to everyone involved for having to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many people as possible as soon as possible.”