A recent report claimed cancer-stricken King Charles is flying under the radar while attempting to conceal another serious health condition that could tarnish his public image.
The 75-year-old monarch has Bell's palsy, which causes facial paralysis and can alter look and speech, palace sources told The National Enquirer.
“This paralysis is the real reason His Majesty stepped back from royal duties so early in his cancer treatment. He’s using his cancer diagnosis as an excuse to lie low. He’s very self- conscious about his speech and is reluctant to perform his official public duties,” a senior courtier dished.
King Charles is thought to be limiting his contact with the outside world, and the few people he sees on a regular basis have been sworn to secrecy.
“Most of his communications now are written or made through his most senior trusted officials, including [his wife, Queen] Camilla. Still, he’s having trouble keeping this crisis under wraps,” the courtier continued.
Bell's palsy develops when one of the cranial nerves that govern face muscles stops working. The etiology is unknown, however it is linked to chronic illnesses including diabetes and hypertension, as well as viral infections.
Symptoms include weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, facial drooping, difficulty closing one eye, chronic drooling, and even lopsided smiling.
There is no known cure, and while most symptoms resolve within a few weeks, others can last permanently. Photos shot outside St. George's Chapel in Windsor on Easter Sunday revealed King Charles' drooping right eye.
“It looks like Bell’s palsy. Paralysis of the nerve damaged the facial muscle [resulting in] the indentation on the side of his face. “The same thing can happen to the muscles around the eye, noted internist Dr. Gabe Mirkin told The National Enquirer.
King Charles' health problems worsened in January when he was treated for benign prostate enlargement and was later diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which experts believe is fatal. He immediately began intense therapies and withdrew from all public activities.
But, with the monarchy in danger due to his illness, daughter-in-law Princess Kate's cancer fight, continuous scandals, and a disorganized royal family, King Charles bravely attended the Easter service.
“He was trying to reassure the public he is doing well, but it’s backfired badly. It’s only put an unwanted spotlight on his secret health ailment, which is the last thing the royals need right now,” the royal courtier noted.
Business Times has reached out to King Charles for comments over reports that he was stricken with Bell’s Palsy amid his ongoing cancer battle. So, avid followers of the royal family should take all these unverified claims with a huge grain of salt until everything is proven true and correct.
Meanwhile, according to a body language specialist, King Charles was moved when he was presented with the new bank notes featuring his face.
The Daily Express US talked directly with Judi James, who stated that "going 'in print' is always a significant and even poignant milestone for the royals."
Judi argues that there were a multitude of events tied up in this one day. "And now Charles's face is on the bank notes, the reality of his mother's death, his own coronation, and even his health seems possibly starker to both him and the public when we see and use them,” she stated.
According to Judi, King Charles appeared to be bracing himself for what was to come. "As Charles prepares to view the notes here, he slaps his hand into a clasp behind his back to signal keenness and even some impatience,” the body language expert said.
Although it was a historic day for King Charles, Judi noted that there was a lot of emotion there on the big day. “His facial expression suggests mixed emotions though. As he bends to look his mouth falls open and his lower jaw juts in,” she stated.
This type of response has been observed by the body language specialist previously, who comments, "It's an expression his father used in his later years." It might also allude to a conflicted sense of pride and grief on witnessing his mother's face erased from the notes.
On June 5, the newly printed bank notes will be put into use. Since 1960, the Bank of England has not altered its image till now. Although there have been some subtle changes in the public's perception of the new monarch, this is a tangible development because people can physically handle and touch the money and see King Charles' face every day.
Daily Express US spoke exclusively to Dr Tobias Harper, Associate Professor at Arizona State University, who stated, “It is a kind of tangible reminder of the presence of the monarchy.”
