Recently, King Charles III captured the public’s attention not for an official engagement or a ceremonial duty but rather due to the conspicuous appearance of his right hand, speculated to be from radiation treatment.
The King, dressed in his customary blue suit and tie, was seen departing Clarence House in his limousine, heading to an undisclosed location. As images of him circulated online, his notably red hand sparked a flurry of speculation and concern.
The appearance of his hand led to an immediate reaction on social media, with various individuals offering their interpretations of the cause.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they leave Clarence House in London on February 6, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“That right hand- Sure hope it’s just the glare from the car window,” one person noted, expressing hope for a benign explanation.
Yet, another countered, “Unfortunately, no, it is not the glare. Those are chemo reactions to the skin,” suggesting a more serious underlying health issue while a third inquired directly, “Radiation burns?”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla photographed on February 13, 2024 as they arrive back at Clarence House in London after spending a week at Sandringham in Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
King Charles III at a Commonwealth and Nature reception during COP28 on November 30, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Source: Getty Images
Observations and comparisons continued, with a fourth commenter remarking, “He’s always had sausage hands though, but it is rather red…” Some drew parallels with the late Queen Elizabeth, observing, “It reminded me of the late Queen’s hand.”
The speculation extended to deeper worries about the King’s overall health. “Gosh… Sadly he doesn’t look well in that picture does he? His hand looks so red,” wrote one concerned observer.
Another went further, speculating on the severity of the King’s condition, tweeting, “#KingCharles looks gravely ill. Lost loads of weight and looks sickly around the eyes and mouth, even his infamous swollen red ‘sausage’ fingers aren’t red or swollen anymore. I think they are hiding the fact that he’s terminal.”
King Charles III arriving to meet emergency service workers at Lambeth HQ on September 17, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The rapid spread of these observations and the resulting discourse underscore a deep public interest in the well-being of the monarch, with speculation ranging from simple concern to grim conjecture about his health.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on February 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attending the Sunday service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on February 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
We reported the news that the appearance of the king’s hands is a cause for concern.
Social media users quickly expressed their concern and shock at the appearance of King Charles III’s hand after observing a shared snapshot of him taken last December. One user stated the hand “doesn’t even look like his hand,” a sentiment echoed by several others, reflecting a sense of alarm among the public.
King Charles III waving to well-wishers after attending the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in eastern England, on December 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The discussion turned to speculations about the King’s well-being, with a comment suggesting he has “serious health issues” based on the photo. Another user mentioned the possibility that Charles III is “clearly not being treated for some sort of illness.”
In an intimate behind-the-scenes moment, King Charles III lightheartedly referred to his own fingers as “sausage fingers” during Coronation rehearsals. This comment elicited a tender response from Prince William and was caught on camera for the BBC documentary showcasing the year leading up to the King’s coronation.
King Charles III and Prince William attend The Order of The Garter service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on June 13, 2022 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images
The King’s self-deprecating humor was on display as he joked with Prince William, who was assisting him with a ceremonial robe. King Charles reassured his son not to worry about the difficulty he faced, attributing it to not having “sausage fingers” like himself, a moment highlighting their warm father-son relationship amidst the grandeur of royal duty.
King Charles III watches an RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 6, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Dr. Gareth Nye, from the University of Chester, clarified that King Charles’s swollen fingers are not signs of major health concerns but are more likely a symptom of aging. Dr. Nilanjana Bose, a rheumatologist from Houston, Texas, also indicated that the condition of his hands might be normal for him, without any underlying disease.
King Charles III King Charles III leaving The London Clinic after undergoing a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate on January 29, 2024 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
In an era that demands resilience and adaptation, the King has made the prudent decision to step back from public-facing duties, prioritizing his health above all. This retreat from the public eye has necessitated a shift in royal responsibilities, with Camilla stepping forward to shoulder the weight of these engagements.
King Charles III reading cards and messages sent by well-wishers following his cancer diagnosis in a photo released on February 23, 202 | Source: Getty Images
Amidst the recent sighting of His Majesty departing Clarence House, with a noticeably red hand, the Queen was seen engaging with the public, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of messages directed towards the Princess of Wales.
Her ensemble for the day, a tasteful combination of a brown leopard print blouse by Fiona Clare, a brown suede skirt, and a camel top stitch coat by Anna Valentine.
Queen Camilla Attends The Royal Maundy Service At Worcester Cathedral on March 28, 2024 in Worcester, England. | Source: Getty Images
She accessorized with two distinctive bumble bee brooches — one her own and the other a cherished belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth. This public appearance highlighted her sense of duty and showcased the royal family’s enduring connection to its matriarchal lineage.
Queen Camilla Attends The Royal Maundy Service At Worcester Cathedral on March 28, 2024 in Worcester, England. | Source: Getty Images
Over 2,000 people came to witness the Queen Consort in what was her first public engagement since the announcement concerning Kate’s health. “She’s got a lot on and it’s a big thing – you think it’s an easy job but it must be very, very tiring,” onlooker Joanne Morris said.
Queen Camilla Attends The Royal Maundy Service At Worcester Cathedral on March 28, 2024 in Worcester, England. | Source: Getty Images
The King’s conspicuous absence will be noted across the royal Easter festivities this year. In lieu of his attendance, a deeply personal Easter message was broadcast during the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral.
This pre-recorded message, delivered to the congregation in his stead, resonated with heartfelt emotion and a profound sense of duty. In his speech, his majesty articulated his sadness at being unable to partake in the Maundy Service, an event he holds dear for its embodiment of Christian service and humility.
The King praised the 150 individuals chosen to receive the Maundy money, recognizing them as exemplars of selfless community service. This act of worship, as Charles highlighted, served as a poignant reminder of his coronation pledge to emulate Christ’s example of serving others.
King Charles III delivers his address to the nation and the Commonwealth from Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8th September in Balmoral, on September 9, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
His message concluded with a prayer, hoping for the continued inspiration of Our Lord’s example to fortify and uplift all communities.
As the King continues his treatment, his words stand as a testament to the enduring values of compassion, service, and resilience that define the monarchy’s role in modern society.
King Charles, visits Tretower Court on July 5, 2018 in Crickhowell, Wales | Source: Getty Images
In the wake of Buckingham Palace’s announcement that King Charles had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, public concern for the monarch’s health has surged.
King Charles III attending a Sunday service in Sandringham on January 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Adding to the anxiety was the noticeable step back the Queen previously took from her royal duties, opting to spend more time beside her husband. This move, while understandable, sparked speculation and worry among the public and media alike.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In this climate of heightened concern, the internet became rife with rumors about the King’s health and, more alarmingly, about his demise. A picture from 2018 showing King Charles at Tretower Court in Crickhowell, Wales, unexpectedly became the center of speculation when it was repurposed in social media discussions regarding the King’s health.
King Charles poses for an official portrait on July 2, 2019 in Myddfai, Wales, United Kingdom | Source: Getty Images
The foundation of these rumors was an unverified document that appeared online, mimicking the style of an official Buckingham Palace statement, declaring, that The King had passed away unexpectedly. The document, stamped with a date and purporting to be from royal communications, led to widespread confusion and concern.
King Charles watches a Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past from the balcony of Church House after attending the Battle of Britain 81st Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
However, this claim was quickly addressed and debunked by reputable sources, thereby quelling the rumors and highlighting the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
The speculation around King Charles’s health and the unfounded rumors of his passing have shown how quickly misinformation can spread, particularly in times of uncertainty. The public’s reaction—ranging from concern for Queen Camilla’s well-being to speculative commentary on the King’s health—reflects the deep connection many feel towards the royal family.