Kate Middleton was admitted to hospital after her surgery with King Charles to attend the hospital for a prostate treatment live on air

Kate, 42, was admitted to the London clinic on Tuesday for the planned operation.

The future queen is expected to remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days before returning home to continue her recovery.

The palace said the princess is likely to spend between two and three months recovering, and is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter based on current medical advice.

It is understood that Charles, 75, was keen to share his diagnosis, in order to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get tested in line with health advice.

One in three men over the age of 50 experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate, including the need to visit the toilet more frequently, with greater urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder.

According to the NHS, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPE) is “the medical term to describe an enlarged prostate, a condition that can affect how you urinate.” The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis, located between the penis and the bladder.

It is not cancerous, and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.

It is common in men over 50, and can affect younger men, but this is very rare.

Photographers, journalists and broadcasters flocked to the private hospital in central London where the Princess of Wales is recovering from abdominal surgery.

The media awaits news behind barriers placed on the other side of the road leading to the London clinic where Kate is staying.

Kensington Palace said the princess is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter based on current medical advice.

Kate is close to her family, with her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton set to gather to support her recovery at Wells' home, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.

It is understood that William was looking after Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on Wednesday evening.

The royal, who was in Scotland when he received his diagnosis, is said to have supported William and Kate, with a source adding: “They are a close family so they keep in close contact.”

Buckingham Palace announced just an hour and a half after the shock news from Kensington Palace that Charles, 75, will be treated in hospital next week.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Like thousands of men every year, the King sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.

“His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will be admitted to hospital next week for corrective surgery. The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period to recover.

The prospect of the King being treated in hospital and the Prince of Wales ceasing his official duties to care for his wife raises questions about whose state advisers may be needed to intervene.

In the event that the King is unable to carry out his duties as King on a temporary basis due to illness, two or more Counselors of State are appointed under Letters Patent to act in their place.

But the prince will be at the Princess of Wales's bedside for the next few weeks, juggling that with looking after his children while Kate recovers from abdominal surgery.

However, Buckingham Palace said it did not expect state advisers to be necessary when the king was treated in hospital for benign prostatic hyperplasia next week.

Kate, 42, was admitted to hospital on Tuesday and will remain at the London clinic for 10 to 14 days.

Her condition was not revealed, but the surgery was successful, according to Kensington Palace.