The truth behind King Charles III's decision to reveal details about his prostate health battle

A statement released by Buckingham Palace today revealed that King Charles is undergoing treatment for a benign, enlarged prostate.

It was an unprecedented move for the royal family to release such intimate details of the monarch's health – something the late Queen Elizabeth II was notorious for keeping under wraps.

Royal expert Natalie Oliveri tells 9honey the King's approach to discussing his health is representative of the recent wave of royal modernity.

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"The decision by the palace about King Charles' imminent surgery appears to be part of a new strategy by the royals to use their own health battles to encourage others to seek help," Oliveri says.

This strategy was proven effective when Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with cancer, promoting awareness for a disease that impacts around 2.3 million people a year.

"Last year the Duchess of York was open about her breast cancer surgery, using her diagnosis to urge women and men to get themselves checked. It had an enormous effect on breast cancer awareness" Oliveri explains.

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After years of being 'banned' from attending royal events, Fergie was welcomed back into the royal fold by Charles, despite myriad prior scandals.

"King Charles and the duchess are close and it's highly likely he was inspired by her brave move to reveal this news now," says Oliveri.

In the past, monarchs have elected to keep their health private, prompting speculation about the absences from duty.

"The palace's announcement also differs greatly from how things were done under the reign of his mother, Elizabeth II, who was notoriously private about her health," Oliveri continues.

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"She had knee surgery twice in the past and in her later years, was affected by those mobility issues. But all the time, the palace was tight-lipped about exactly what was wrong."

Oliveri says that Charles' decision to share his news now, and not after the surgery, will also move to stop any speculation on his absence during recovery.

"Charles, it seems, is determined to do things differently from his mother and be more transparent with the public, showing how much more he is a modern monarch."

Buckingham Palace's statement about the matter read: "In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.

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"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."

It's reported that the King will stay at his private home, Birkhall, on the Balmoral estate, though it hasn't been confirmed whether or not his treatment will take place in Scotland or London.