What is going on with King Charles’ fingers

All eyes are on King Charles … and his fingers, which have raised eyebrows and caused speculation.

King Charles III leaves Clarence House ahead of his and Queen Camilla's coronation on May 6, 2023. Picture: James Manning – WPA Pool/Getty Images

When the British royal family step out in public, they draw the attention of millions of people across the world.

They are praised, criticised and analysed – and for the older family members there is often speculation about their health.

For King Charles in particular, his fingers (yes, fingers!) often raise eyebrows and have dominated discussions on social media more than once, including on the occasion of his coronation on Saturday.

When eyes were fixed on the King, 74, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September last year, the rumour mill started spinning.

So much so, experts such as Dr Gareth Nye, a senior lecturer at the UK’s University of Chester, spoke out about what Charles’ swollen fingers could mean.

King Charles at his coronation ceremony. Picture: Sky News

His swollen fingers have caused people to speculate about his health. Picture: Sky News

Dr Nye told local the Daily Star that while there were many possible causes, some health conditions were more likely than others, such as oedema – or fluid retention.

“Oedema is a condition where the body starts to retain fluids in the limbs, normally the legs and ankles but also in the fingers, which causes them to swell,” he said.

King Charles III waves at supporters from his carriage. Picture: Rob Pinney/Getty Images

King Charles III on the day of his coronation. Picture: James Manning /WPA Pool/Getty Images

“Oedema is a common condition and mostly affects people over the age of 65 as the ability for fluid control is restricted,” he added.

“To see if this is the cause, pressing the swollen area for about 15 seconds would cause a depression in the area.”

Another potential cause was 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.

“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.”

King Charles’ fingers drew attention after the death of the Queen. Picture: Getty Images

Dr Nye reassured everyone that the swelling was not a sign of a troubling heath issue.

“There certainly aren’t any immediate health concerns to be concluded from swollen fingers and is most likely a sign of his age.”

The King has even reportedly taken a lighthearted approach to the appearance of his digits in the past, referring to himself as having “sausage fingers” in a letter to a friend after Prince William was born.

“I can’t tell you how excited and proud I am. He really does look surprisingly appetising and has sausage fingers just like mine,” he is quoted as saying in the biography Charles, The Man Who Will Be King by Howard Hodgson.