King Charles to have treatment for enlarged prostate, Princess of ...

King Charles will undergo a "corrective procedure" next week for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace has said.

The palace said on Wednesday the king's condition was benign and that the 75-year-old had sought treatment "in common with thousands of men each year".

The palace said his engagements would be postponed for a short period, while he recuperated.

The announcement came less than two hours after it was revealed his daughter-in-law Catherine, the Princess of Wales, had undergone abdominal surgery.

While the procedure was successful, she is facing up to two weeks in hospital, Kensington Palace said in a statement.

The 42-year-old wife of William, Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne, was admitted to a private clinic in central London on Tuesday.

"The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery," the palace said.

"Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter (on March 31).

The Princess of Wales will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, according to a statement by Kensington Palace.(AFP: Justin Tallis)

The princess, widely known as Kate, is one of the most popular — and photographed — members of the royal family.

She is frequently seen alongside William, 41, with whom she has three young children, but is increasingly undertaking solo public engagements.

Kensington Palace added: "The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.

"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.

"Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.

"The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.

"She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."

AFP