Cancer-stricken King Charles' bloodshot eye sparks health concern but Buckingham Palace says no need to worry
While the 76-year-old monarch, who is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, was all smiles as he greeted Mr Macron and first lady Brigitte, his appearance raised concerns for his health.
The King was joined by wife Queen Camilla, and Prince William and his wife Catherine during royal ceremonial duties surrounding the state visit by the French head of state.
Speculation around the King's health sparked by his appearance prompted Buckingham Palace to issue a health update to address concerns.
A spokesperson confirmed the bloodshot eye was due to a burst blood vessel that had developed overnight. They stressed it was not cause for alarm and was not related to his cancer treatment.
A burst blood vessel, also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, usually looks worse than it actually is. Generally they are harmless and can be caused by something simple such as a sneeze or a cough.
The redness usually clears within about two weeks.
Charles was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and has been undergoing treatment for it ever since. While the form of cancer has never been revealed, reports have suggested the King is likely to die 'with' and not 'of' the cancer.
It's treatable but not curable, which is the case for many older individuals battling the disease, renowned royal correspondent and the editor of the UK Daily Telegraph, Camilla Tominey, reported.
Mr Macron's three-day visit, at the invitation of the King, is the first state visit to the UK by a European Union head of state since Brexit, and is seen as a symbol of the British government's desire to reset relations with the bloc that the UK acrimoniously left in 2020.
'The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend,' Mr Macron wrote on X, in a marked change of tone from the years of wrangling over Brexit.
'Our bond is longstanding, forged by history and strengthened by trust.'
The President and his wife were greeted on a red carpet at London's RAF Northolt air base by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
They were met in Windsor, west of London, by Charles and Camilla.
A military band played the French and British national anthems as all four set out for the royal residence of Windsor Castle in horse-drawn carriages, through streets bedecked in Union Jacks and French tricolour flags.
The King and Queen also hosted a state banquet for their guests.
— With AAP
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