King Charles Seen for the First Time Since Announcing His Upcoming Surgery

The King was spotted en route to the Sandringham royal estate with Queen Camilla ahead of a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate next week

<p>TheImageDirect.com</p> King Charles in the backseat of a car on his way to Sandringham Estate

TheImageDirect.com

King Charles in the backseat of a car on his way to Sandringham Estate

King Charles was seen out for the first time since his upcoming surgery was announced.

The King, 75, was photographed in the backseat of a car on Friday en route to the royal family's Sandringham estate in Norfolk with Queen Camilla. The royal couple was flown in from Aberdeen Airport to RAF Marham via a Royal Air Force jet, and then driven the rest of the way to Sandringham.

King Charles' appearance marks the first time he has been spotted out since Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday that he will be undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate next week.

<p>TheImageDirect.com</p> King Charles heads to Sandringham Estate

TheImageDirect.com

King Charles heads to Sandringham Estate

Related: Will Prince William Act as Regent During King Charles' Prostate Treatment Next Week?

"In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," the palace's statement read. "His Majesty's condition is benign, and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure."

They added, "The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."

It is understood that King Charles wished to share his condition in hopes that other men would be encouraged to get themselves checked if they are experiencing symptoms. Additionally, a royal source told PEOPLE that the monarch will be capable of fulfilling his constitutional requirements and duties during this time.

<p>TheImageDirect.com</p> King Charles leaving FAF Marham

TheImageDirect.com

King Charles leaving FAF Marham

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Prior to King Charles and Queen Camilla, 76, heading to Sandringham, the Queen continued her royal duties with a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery in Scotland on Thursday. While she was on hand to help open a "Safe Space" to help provide guidance to those who are seeking to help people they suspect are living with domestic abuse, Camilla gave reporters an update on her husband's health.

"Good morning, it was quite a frosty journey. Sorry, we're a bit late, I'm afraid," Queen Camilla said with a smile as she arrived, in video shared to X by ITV royals reporter Chris Ship.

In the video, Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeen Dr. David Cameron asked, "How is His Majesty?"

"He's fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work," the Queen replied.

<p>Chris Jackson/Getty</p> Queen Camilla and King Charles visit France in Sept. 2023

Chris Jackson/Getty

Queen Camilla and King Charles visit France in Sept. 2023

Related: Prince William Visits Kate Middleton in Hospital After Her Abdominal Surgery, Will Spend as 'Much Time as Possible'

The King's health news came just hours after Kensington Palace announced that his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton had successfully undergone a "planned abdominal surgery" on Tuesday. The Princess of Wales, 42, is expected to stay in the hospital for 10-14 days, and she is unlikely to resume her royal duties until after Easter.

"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," the statement read in part. "Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share."

Princess Kate and Prince William are parents to Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. William, 41, will also be cutting back on his royal duties to help care for the children and look after the Princess of Wales as she recovers.

<p>Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty</p> Kate Middleton and Prince William in Scotland in July 2023

Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty

Kate Middleton and Prince William in Scotland in July 2023

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.