King Charles has resumed his public duties following a hospital stay in March, making his first appearance at a musical reception held at Windsor Castle. But it wasn’t long before online discussions took an unexpected turn, as eagle-eyed viewers noticed something that sparked curiosity.
Back in March 2025, the King was admitted to The London Clinic for continued treatment tied to the cancer diagnosis he revealed in February 2024. On March 27, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the 76-year-old monarch was receiving planned medical care.
Now out of the hospital, King Charles made his official return to royal engagements on April 3, hosting a reception to recognize those contributing to community music throughout the UK. However, what really caught everyone’s attention was his memorable moment with the London Vegetable Orchestra — a unique interaction that quickly became the highlight of the event.
In a lighthearted moment captured on camera, King Charles was seen holding a carrot and pretending to play it like a musical instrument. The playful gesture quickly went viral, charming many online viewers with its humor and spontaneity.
But while the video sparked laughter and praise, not all of the attention was positive. As images of the King made the rounds online, several users expressed concern about his physical appearance—particularly the state of his hands.
“His hands look uncomfortably swollen…” one commenter noted. Another remarked, “His blood circulation is not working and functioning well.”
“I deeply respect the man, but those hands ~ those fingernails. Something is seriously wrong,” someone else observed. A fourth didn’t mince words: “Those fingers do not look good.”
As the clip continued to circulate, more and more people shared their unease about the King’s apparent physical condition. Many speculated that he might be dealing with circulation or vascular issues, and several pointed out how his fingers seemed unusually swollen — with some even comparing them to sausages.
Some viewers pointed out that the carrot flute looked almost as thick as King Charles’s finger. Others were more focused on the appearance of his hands, with several people questioning why they looked so swollen—one even asked if anyone else had noticed the difference.
As previously reported, King Charles recently made a short visit to the hospital due to side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. Following the visit, the 75-year-old monarch decided to step back from public duties temporarily and focus on recovery at Clarence House.
Buckingham Palace’s announcement came later in the evening after discussions between the King’s doctors and palace aides. They considered whether he should continue with a scheduled visit to Birmingham but ultimately decided to postpone the trip in order to prioritize his health.
A royal insider stated that the King’s “recovery path continues in a positive direction” and described the hospital trip as “no drama.” His Majesty went to the London Clinic—the same place where he was treated for an enlarged prostate back in January 2024—and traveled to and from the hospital by car.
The visit wasn’t viewed as a major development, and at the time of writing, no further updates on the King’s health were expected.
According to The Sun, Prince Harry wasn’t notified about his father’s hospital visit. The Palace reportedly chose not to inform the Duke of Sussex, who is currently 5,000 miles away, in order to “avoid causing unnecessary concern.”
However, while the Palace may have aimed to shield Prince Harry from worry, this wasn’t the first time King Charles’ public appearances have sparked concern.
On Friday, March 28, 2025, the King stepped out again — an event that quickly drew attention online.
That morning in central London, passersby witnessed a rare and somber sight: King Charles III seated in the back of a polished black Audi, his face faintly visible through a slightly lowered window.
It marked his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital just the day before, and the significance of the moment was not lost on the crowd.
Though his expression was calm, it reflected the quiet strength of someone navigating a serious personal health journey.
The King appeared noticeably pale and somewhat thinner, but he still managed a gentle wave through the glass to the many well-wishers lining the streets — several of whom raised their phones to catch a glimpse of the fleeting moment.
Footage from the scene showed another vehicle following closely behind — likely part of his security detail — as King Charles was reportedly heading toward his country home in western England.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that his official duties for Thursday afternoon and Friday had been canceled on his doctors’ advice. Still, the King seemed intent on keeping a presence in the public sphere, even if in a limited capacity.
Though his hospital visit was brief and linked to “temporary side effects” from ongoing cancer treatment, the outing served as a sobering reality check: at 76, King Charles III continues to battle an illness first diagnosed over a year ago.
While attention on his health may have waned since his brief return to royal duties last spring, this latest appearance reignited public concern — and admiration — for the monarch’s enduring determination.
His Majesty has continued to uphold his constitutional duties, from reviewing state documents to holding regular meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Even while undergoing treatment, his unwavering sense of duty has shone through — whether in formal ceremonies, international travels, or fleeting glimpses from a car window.
Though his brief public appearance offered reassurance to many royal followers, it also sparked a flurry of responses online. Social media was quickly filled with messages expressing both concern and support. For many, the King’s visibly fragile condition did not go unnoticed.
“Londoners heading out of London is always a good idea. King Charles does look quite unwell overall so hopefully this break will benefit him.” observed one commenter.
In a wave of public commentary, many have noted that the King hasn’t appeared to be in the best of health for quite a while, with his most recent appearance only reinforcing their lingering worries.
Some social media users questioned whether he’d be fit enough to attend upcoming engagements, with one person speculating about his presence at the Easter festivities. On a more optimistic note, a supporter enthusiastically remarked, “Good news, he will be able to make Friday prayers!”
Despite concerns about his health, there was no shortage of hopeful voices. One supporter expressed faith in the monarch’s strength, declaring, “Long live the king’s resilience!”
Others who had been present shared their firsthand experiences. Tourist Julian Mati, 34, recounted, “We were horrified when we heard the news yesterday. We had come down to the palace today to take
From heartfelt prayers to genuine worry, the wide range of public reactions shows just how deeply the King’s presence still resonates — and how attentively people are watching his journey.