King Charles III today (28 January) walked out of the private hospital in London where he has been a patient for the past three nights, recovering from treatment he received for an enlarged prostate.

Just a matter of hours earlier his daughter-in-law, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, left the same clinic where she had also been convalescing, following “abdominal surgery” nearly two weeks ago.

On leaving the facility with his wife Queen Camilla, the King smiled and waved to onlookers before being driven away. He will be rescheduling public engagements to “allow for a period of private recuperation”, according to a Buckingham Palace statement.

The Princess was driven to her home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Great Park, and will continue her recovery, which is expected to be until Easter at the earliest.

Happy to be made public

King Charles had been admitted for a “corrective procedure” on a benign prostate problem, which was reported as being non-cancerous, and described as a common condition in older men. Indeed, approximately one in three over the age of 50 are likely to experience some of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which is a gland that sits just below the bladder.

The monarch apparently was keen for his condition to be made public as a way of encouraging other men to get checked out.

In good spirits

He left very publicly via the London Clinic’s front entrance, accompanied by Camilla, who had been a regular visitor since he entered the hospital last Friday (26 January). The 75-year-old looked steady on his feet and in very good spirits, as he climbed into the back of a black Audi.

The road had been cleared and there was a strong police presence, although a large crowd of children and onlookers had gathered to watch and they cheered as the royal couple acknowledged them.

Likely to be out of action for a month

The King is expected to remain under observation for the next month, although knowing his commitment to service, he will probably push to have that period shortened and get back to his public duties as soon as possible.

Buckingham Palace released a statement following the King’s release, which confirmed his planned recuperation and also said: “His Majesty would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days.”

Surge in prostate searches

The NHS has reported a 1000% surge in searches about prostate enlargement on its official website since the King first let it be known he was to receive treatment. He was said to be “delighted to learn that his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness”.

Kate comes out after nearly two weeks

Before undergoing his procedure, Charles had taken the time to visit the Princess in another part of the hospital, who was just over a week into he recovery following her “abdominal surgery”.

In total Kate spent 13 nights at the facility, which was par for the course and she will now spend several months being cared for at her home in Windsor.

Easter return at the earliest

Kensington Palace said the Prince and Princess of Wales wanted to send a “huge thank you” to the medical team at the London Clinic in Marylebone and for the “well wishes they have received from around the world”.

The 42-year-old princess is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter, and it will only be when medical advice indicates that it is totally safe to do so.

Prince William has temporarily stepped back from his royal role to combine caring for his wife and their three children. It is understood he also will only resume his own public engagements, once Kate is given the all clear.