King Charles III raised fresh concerns about his health this week after appearing with a visibly bloodshot right eye during a high-profile state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. The 76-year-old monarch, who is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer diagnosed in early 2024, greeted Macron and his wife, Brigitte, at Windsor Castle on Monday with Queen Camilla by his side.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the monarch had suffered a burst blood vessel in one eye, which developed overnight and is not linked to his cancer treatment. The palace sought to downplay speculation, emphasizing that the condition is not serious and poses no threat to the king's overall health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a subconjunctival hemorrhage can result from a strong sneeze or cough and is usually harmless, resolving within two weeks. "You don't need to treat it. A subconjunctival hemorrhage may look alarming, but it's usually a harmless condition," the clinic noted.
Despite the startling appearance, King Charles continued his public duties without visible discomfort. People magazine reported that he hosted the French presidential couple with full ceremonial honors and will deliver a speech at a state banquet scheduled for Tuesday night in St. George's Hall at Windsor Castle.
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King Charles has been spotted with a burst blood vessel in his eye ahead of welcoming Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron. It is understood that the monarch’s right eye was affected overnight and… pic.twitter.com/iL7iqqk5OS — News (@EUFreeCitizen) July 8, 2025
"The thing you learn about this illness is that you just manage it, and that's what he does," a royal aide told People. "Medical science has made incredible advances, and I genuinely see no difference in him. As long as you just do what the doctors say, just live your life as normal as possible. That's exactly what he is doing."
Royal journalist Camilla Tominey noted that despite the optimism, Charles' cancer is considered "totally incurable." She said the prevailing view among insiders is that the king may "die with cancer, but not of cancer" due to aggressive treatment plans.
The episode comes as internal discussions over succession reportedly intensify. While Charles remains committed to fulfilling public duties, Prince William is said to be increasingly involved in long-term planning. Rumors have also resurfaced around the potential stripping of royal titles from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
An unnamed source claimed, "Behind the scenes, people are saying that the royals have quietly sanctioned the title removal - if Harry and Meghan step out of line again." The source added that while Charles remains wary of public backlash, he has "given William his blessing" to proceed with the plan, which would require an Act of Parliament.
Meanwhile, the French state visit continues with diplomatic meetings scheduled at Downing Street later in the week. President Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to participate in a bilateral summit on July 10, concluding the three-day visit on Thursday afternoon.
The Princess of Wales, who is also undergoing cancer recovery, appeared earlier this month at Colchester Hospital and spoke candidly about the emotional toll of post-treatment life. "You have to find your new normal and that takes time," Kate Middleton said, as quoted by People. "It's a roller coaster, it's not smooth, like you expect it to be."
