'Frightening': Queen Camilla's Appearance before King Charles' Diagnosis Ignited Worries among Users

• King Charles recently underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate, during which his cancer was discovered.
• While he was still in the hospital before the official cancer diagnosis was made public, Queen Camilla paid him visits.
• Her presence sparked concern among internet users, with some expressing worry and concern about her appearance.

Queen Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, has been a controversial and influential figure in the British monarchy for decades. From her affair with Charles to her ascension as Queen Consort, Camilla has faced much public scrutiny, drawing both criticism and admiration.

Recently, Camilla's presence has ignited concerns among internet users. Observers who have closely monitored her appearance before and after her husband's worrying diagnosis have some things to say about her.

Camilla and her husband began their love journey in 1970 when the then-young couple first crossed paths at a polo match in Windsor. However, their budding romance was put on hold when Charles decided to join the Royal Navy in 1971. Camilla then married Major Andrew Parker Bowles, a long-standing admirer and friend of Charles.

Even in their respective marriages, Charles and Camilla maintained a close friendship. In 1977, Charles met Lady Diana Spencer, and four years later, they were married. The relationship between Charles and Camilla came under public scrutiny in 1992 when their telephone conversation was leaked, revealing their intimate connection.

This revelation led to Charles and Diana's separation in December of the same year. In a 1994 television documentary, Charles admitted to committing adultery. He affirmed his initial faithfulness to Diana but confessed that he strayed when their marriage "became irretrievably broken down."

This admission stirred controversy and put the then-45-year-old Prince in a difficult position. Despite the turmoil, Charles referred to Camilla as "a great friend" whose support he valued. Camilla, on her part, weathered the storm with grace. She described the period as "horrid" and "deeply unpleasant" but credited her perseverance to her family's support.

In June 1998, Prince William met Camilla for the first time, marking a significant step in their relationship. Their first meeting was followed by two more meetings over tea and lunch. Camilla also met Queen Elizabeth II at a birthday party for King Constantine, the former King of Greece, ending a much-publicized standoff since Charles and Diana's divorce.

In 2005, Charles and Camilla finally tied the knot, more than 30 years after their romance began. Their small private civil wedding at Windsor's Guildhall was followed by a service of blessing at Windsor Castle, attended by about 800 family and friends, including the Queen and Prince Philip.

For a considerable period, there was speculation about whether Camilla would be accorded the title of Queen. This uncertainty ended in 2022 when Queen Elizabeth II approved for Camilla to assume the title of Queen Consort. This endorsement was seen as a formal acknowledgment of Camilla's status as a respected senior member of the royal family.

As she marked the 70th anniversary of her reign, Queen Elizabeth expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support she had received over the years. She voiced her hope that when Charles becomes the King, the public extends the same support to him and Camilla. She also expressed her sincere wish for Camilla to be known as Queen Consort in recognition of her loyal service.

When Queen Elizabeth died, Charles ascended the throne with Camilla steadfastly by his side during his coronation. In his inaugural speech as King, Charles paid a heartfelt tribute to Camilla.

He recognized her unwavering loyalty and public service since their marriage 17 years prior, expressing his trust in her ability to meet the demands of her new role as Queen Consort with the same steadfast commitment to duty that he had come to depend on.

On January 28, 2024, Queen Camilla visited her husband, King Charles, at a private hospital in central London, where he was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. As she made her way into the hospital, Queen Camilla wore a smile, which sparked curiosity among internet users, leading to various interpretations and questions about her demeanor during such a challenging time.

One user commented, "Yes, she's smiling, but it looks forced, and her eyes are glazed over. I hope Charles is okay; something doesn't seem right." Another user added, "She's trying to keep positive. She's lovely."

During her first visit to Charles on January 27, her smiling demeanor also raised eyebrows. Users commented, "That smile says, 'See, I told you it hurts!'" and "What is all this emphasis on a smile? She would not leave the hospital looking devastated and crying. Quite frankly, she forced the smile not to have the other crap written."

Another user observed, "That's not a grin. What's wrong with you? That's a pensive expression." When asked about the King's condition during her visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery in Scotland, she responded, "He's fine, thank you very much." However, at the end of the King's hospital stay, observers noted Camilla's appearance as she left the hospital with her husband.

Comments ranged from "Camilla looks a little dowdy in these photos. Bad day, I guess. Usually so elegant," to "Camilla is frightening," "What has Camilla been doing with her fingers?" and "Camilla looks 90."

Despite the scrutiny, Camilla has always been a pillar of support for the King. A palace insider described her as "the yin to his yang," adding, "She is the type to say, 'It'll all be fine; let's crack on and get on with things.'"

In an interview, when asked how she balances her marriage amidst her royal duties, she said, "It's not easy sometimes, but we do always try to have a point in the day when we meet. It's lovely to catch up when we have a bit of time."

Reflecting on the scrutiny she has faced, she said, "Nobody likes to be looked at all the time and criticized." She added, "But I think in the end, I rise above it and get on with it. You've got to get on with life."

Penny Junor, the author of "The Duchess: Camilla Parker Bowles and the Love Affair That Rocked the Crown," believes that Camilla has had a transformative effect on Charles. She stated, "He is happier with her than he has ever been. She gives him confidence and the support he has so desperately needed throughout his life and never truly found elsewhere."

As previously reported on June 19, 2023:

King Charles' health has long been a topic of interest due to various symptoms he has exhibited, including a facial growth and swollen fingers. Recently, he revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer, which was detected during his surgery for an enlarged prostate.

On February 5, 2024, the world was taken aback by the news of King Charles' cancer diagnosis. Buckingham Palace, in a statement, revealed that the King's cancer was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

The type of cancer remains undisclosed, adding an element of mystery to the King's health status. The 75-year-old monarch has begun regular treatments and has decided to temporarily reduce his public engagements.

Part of the statement read, "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual." Despite the severity of his condition, the King remains optimistic about his treatment and is eager to return to his full public responsibilities as soon as possible.

The King's decision to share his diagnosis publicly was driven by a desire to prevent speculation and to foster public understanding for all those affected by cancer worldwide. Before the cancer diagnosis, King Charles was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate, deemed benign by Buckingham Palace, at the London Clinic.

Around the same time, his daughter-in-law, Kate, the Princess of Wales, was also admitted to the hospital following abdominal surgery for an unknown condition. King Charles, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, departed from the clinic on the afternoon of January 29, 2024.

A week after the operation, the royal pair were seen attending Sunday services near their country residence in Norfolk, England. Ignoring questions from reporters, the King greeted well-wishers with a cheerful wave outside St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham, marking his first public appearance post-hospitalization.

Following his discharge from the hospital, the Palace expressed its gratitude to the medical team and everyone who supported the King during his hospital visit. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak further elaborated on the Palace statement, indicating that the cancer was detected at an early stage.

Today, February 6, is a significant date for King Charles and the royal family as it commemorates the anniversary of the death of his grandfather, George VI. This day, always remembered by the late Queen Elizabeth at Sandringham, saw George VI's passing in 1952, leading to the ascension of his daughter Elizabeth to the throne.

The announcement of King Charles' cancer diagnosis has triggered a surge in public demand for more information. Social media reactions have been varied, with numerous users remarking on the King's apparent aging over the past year.

One user candidly expressed, "He's really aged over the past year. IMO." Echoing this sentiment, another user noted, "He looks like he has aged 10 years in a few days." The shock was palpable in another comment, "Omg, what the hell happened to King Charles??? He's aged so much."

The monarch has faced many health issues over the years, but the public's focus on his health intensified following his ascension to the throne after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. In the lead-up to his coronation, King Charles' health, specifically his swollen fingers, attracted public interest.

GP Chun Tang, Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical in Manchester, explained that "sausage" fingers, medically referred to as dactylitis, could be a sign of various health issues, from arthritis and bacterial infections to high salt levels and autoimmune diseases.

In a letter to a friend, King Charles amusingly described his hands as "sausage fingers" while talking about his newborn son, Prince William. His swollen hands and feet were especially noticeable during his 2019 royal tour in India and while having a pint at The Prince of Wales pub in Clapham Old Town in 2021.

The Queen, in a letter to her music teacher following Charles' birth, remarked on his unusually large hands for a baby with slender, long fingers. However, the exact cause of the King's swollen hands remains unknown. King Charles' medical history also includes the removal of a non-cancerous growth from his face in 2008.

The procedure was performed at Clarence House without the need for a local anesthetic. In 1998, he had laser keyhole surgery at King Edward VII Hospital in London to fix his right knee, which had been causing him discomfort due to problems with cartilage.