The week of January 15 brought a royal family medical twofer, with the announcement of Catherine, Princess of Wales’ “abdominal surgery” and the news of her father-in-law King Charles III’s impending hospitalization. A statement by Buckingham Palace (via BBC) revealed Charles is scheduled to undergo a “corrective procedure” to treat an enlarged prostate.
Two of the highest-ranking members of the royal family are both facing health scares at the very same time. Sure, of course, coincidences do happen, but rarely in the carefully manicured and tightly controlled world of The Firm. Something is rotten in the state of Westminster. The double announcements were obviously totally game-planned, especially given the fact Charles’ hospitalization isn’t due until the week of January 22, so it’s not as if they were both emergencies that had to be addressed right here and now.
Suddenly, all of the British press is laser-focused on the royals’ health worries. But specifically, everybody is concerned about poor Kate and the sympathy well is overflowing. Charles’ prostate has become secondary, totally overshadowed by Kate’s abdomen. And we can’t help but think that’s precisely how Buckingham Palace wants it to be. Because with citizens and the media focused on Kate, they won’t be questioning how serious Charles’ medical condition might be and wondering how precarious his royal reign is. If Charles’ treatment is solely for an enlarged prostate and the condition is benign, why would the announcement come on the exact same day as Kate’s?