Mystery of King Charles’s Swollen Hands & His Iconic Jewelry
Why are King Charles III's fingers so swollen and red all the time? And how do doctors explain this phenomenon?
A series of images of King Charles III's swollen and red fingers has sparked a series of reactions online, with people wondering whether the heir to the late Queen Elizabeth II is suffering from a medical condition.
According to the Daily Star, swollen fingers are a condition King Charles III has suffered from for years, with the monarch himself jokingly calling them "sausage fingers" in 2012 while on tour in Australia after a long flight.
Because of this, the British press has been trying to unravel the mystery behind his red and swollen fingers, even consulting doctors to find out what ailment the member of the British Royal Family might be suffering from.
So, Why Are King Charles's Fingers Red & Swollen?
According to the Daily Star, a British doctor has meanwhile explained that numerous health problems could be responsible for the swelling, such as water retention, oedema, or simply old age.
"Oedema is a common condition and mostly affects people over the age of 65 as the ability for fluid control is restricted. To see if this is the cause, pressing the swollen area for about 15 seconds would cause a depression in the area," Dr. Gareth Nye told the Daily Star.
Another medical condition, which could explain King Charles III's red and swollen fingers, is arthritis.
"Arthritis- another common condition in the over 60s. It often affects three main areas in the hand - the thumb joint or either joints in the fingers. Fingers usually become stiff, painful, and swollen and although medication can help with the pain, the swelling can remain," said Dr. Gareth Nye.
"Uncommon causes may include high salt diet leading to fluid retention, certain medications can rarely lead to swelling as a side effect such as with blood pressure medications or steroid medications."
Royal Jewelry and King Charles's Hands
Despite the speculation about his swollen fingers, King Charles III’s hands have long played an important role in his royal appearances, particularly when it comes to his jewelry. One of his most iconic pieces is the signet ring, traditionally worn by male members of the British royal family. This ring, which features the crest of the Prince of Wales, has been a constant accessory on his finger for decades.
The signet ring is not just a personal item but also a symbol of his royal status and lineage. Even with swollen fingers, King Charles continues to wear his beloved ring, which holds both personal and historic significance. His jewelry, like the signet ring and other pieces, often garners attention for its craftsmanship and ties to the royal family's legacy.
Royal jewelry has always been a significant part of public life for the British monarchy, and King Charles III is no exception. The rings he wears, especially his signet ring, are not only elegant pieces but also carry deep historical meaning, making them central to his royal image.
