King Charles III raised a few eyebrows during Tuesday’s ceremonial welcome for French President Emmanuel Macron, as he appeared with a noticeably bloodshot eye during the high-profile state occasion at Windsor Castle. The moment sparked concern among royal watchers, especially given the monarch’s ongoing cancer treatment.

Charles, 76, was joined by Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate as they greeted President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron — marking the first official state visit by a European leader since Brexit. The event also made history as the first state ceremony held at Windsor Castle since 2014.

But for some viewers, it wasn’t just the diplomacy that caught their attention. The King’s visible eye redness prompted speculation online, particularly in light of his current medical treatments.

In response, a Buckingham Palace source confirmed that the appearance was due to a minor burst blood vessel in the eye — a condition medically referred to as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The palace made clear that it is completely unrelated to the King’s cancer treatment and is medically harmless.

These types of eye bursts are relatively common, often caused by a bout of coughing, sneezing, or even mild strain. While they may look alarming, they typically clear up on their own within one to two weeks and require no medical intervention.