King Charles underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate earlier this year before revealing his cancer diagnosis, moves biographer Robert Jobson says “ushered in a new era of transparency”

King Charles and Queen Camilla attend Royal Ascot on June 18, 2024.

King Charles openly revealed his treatment for an enlarged prostate and cancer diagnosis earlier this year in a moment of unprecedented candor about a member of the royal family’s health. However, Queen Camilla was initially against her husband disclosing the information.

Shortly after the King, 75, underwent a procedure for a benign prostate condition in January, he announced on Feb. 5 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Buckingham Palace said at the time, “No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer.”

Robert Jobson, the author of last year’s Our King: Charles III: The Man and the Monarch Revealed, told The Independent that Queen Camilla, 77, was initially not on board with the move.

“Queen Camilla had initially been against disclosing his condition, but the King overruled her, as he felt it was a chance to take a lead, and in doing so to encourage men experiencing similar symptoms to seek timely medical attention,” Jobson said.

Queen Camilla and King Charles visit the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on April 20, 2024.

Kate Middleton’s ‘Calming Influence’ Has Helped Prince William Become ‘Much Closer’ to King Charles, New Book Claims

Despite the lack of details, the King’s announcement resulted in a significant uptick in online searches related to enlarged prostate on the National Health Service website.

“The NHS England page on benign prostate enlargement had more than 26,000 visits in the 48 hours after the announcement, compared to a daily average of just 1,400,” Jobson said.

King Charles returns to work after his cancer diagnosis on April 30, 2024.

Kate Middleton and King Charles Received 27,000 Messages of Well-Wishes amid Their Cancer Diagnoses

Jobson noted that King Charles’ decision to be open about his health concerns may have been sparked by false stories that often circulated when his late parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, received medical attention.

“He was lauded for doing so, with commentators saying he had ushered in a new era of transparency in matters of health and the royal family,” Jobson said.

King Charles and Kate Middleton attend the premiere of ‘No Time to Die’ on Sept. 28, 2021.

King Charles’ daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, announced her own cancer diagnosis on March 22 via a video announcement.

A source told previously PEOPLE that the Princess of Wales, 42, likely found “some comfort and reassurance” in seeing the amount of “sympathy and understanding” her father-in-law received upon announcing his condition the month prior.

The King “has always had a very good bond” with Princess Kate, according to author Sally Bedell Smith.

“She’s interested in artistic things and she appreciates art and culture so has an affinity with the King over that,” Smith told PEOPLE.

“Obviously, they have this in common and can only bring them closer. It is a source of reassurance and consolation for both of them,” the author added.