During President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the United Kingdom, an image of King Charles with his right eye visibly reddened sparked speculation about his health.
The 76-year-old monarch’s appearance alongside Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate in Windsor coincided with the official arrival of the French president and his wife Brigitte.
But many people’s attention was drawn to an unexpected detail: an eye completely bloodshot.
King Charles’ red eye
In response to concerns, Buckingham Palace sources clarified that it was a burst blood vessel that occurred the night before and was unrelated to any other conditions the king is facing, including his current battle with cancer.
According to experts, this condition—known as subconjunctival hemorrhage—does not pose a serious threat. It usually disappears on its own within a few days and can even be caused by something as simple as a cough or a sneeze.
The incident did not prevent the king from fulfilling his scheduled agenda. He presided over the welcome ceremony for the Macrons as normal, which included a carriage ride to Windsor Castle.
The program also includes lunch with the royal family and a gala dinner in St. George’s Hall, marking a key diplomatic moment after Brexit.
The Macrons’ three-day visit is the first by a European Union head of state to the United Kingdom since the country’s departure from the bloc.