King Charles was bullied for his “sausage fingers” – medical reason behind revealed by expert
King Charles III, who ascended to the throne just over a year ago, has been in the spotlight since his coronation. However, this reign began on a somber note with the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. While many special events have marked his time as king, one particular aspect of his appearance has garnered attention and even criticism.
Over the years, keen observers, including royal fans and experts, have noticed a distinct feature of King Charles’ hands – they appear swollen, often described as “sausage fingers.” This article delves into the medical reasons behind this condition and the speculation that it might be related to past bullying.
Despite King Charles not having experienced significant health issues, speculation about his fingers has raised concerns among the public. Photographs of his red, swollen hands have circulated on social media, and the king himself has even humorously referred to them as his “sausage fingers.”
King Charles’ “Sausage Fingers”
King Charles’ hands have been a topic of conversation throughout his life. Even Queen Elizabeth, in a letter, described them as “interesting” when he was a baby. She noted that they were rather large with fine, long fingers unlike hers or his father’s.
Last year, Dr. Gareth Nye, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chester, expressed his concerns about King Charles’ swollen fingers. He suggested that while several conditions could lead to swollen fingers, some were more likely than others. One possibility he mentioned was edema, a condition characterized by fluid retention in the limbs, which can cause swelling.
Moreover, Dr. Nye explained that swollen fingers could also be a sign of arthritis, a common condition in people over 60. He mentioned that causes might include a high salt diet and blood pressure medication.
However, he concluded that King Charles’ “sausage fingers” are not indicative of a significant health issue and are more likely associated with the aging process.
King Charles’ Changing Condition
Recent photos of King Charles during his state visit to Berlin revealed an apparent worsening of his “sausage fingers.” This change has raised concerns and led to further speculations.
Dr. Gareth Nye ruled out previous theories about the cause of the condition, such as edema or gout. Instead, he suggested that King Charles might be suffering from arthritis in his hands, a common condition in individuals over 60.
Arthritis can be debilitating and limit the movement of affected joints. While treatments and medications can provide relief, the condition tends to worsen with time, especially in joints used frequently, like the hands. One condition often associated with swollen fingers is Dactylitis, which can persist even if underlying inflammation is controlled.
Despite the condition, Dr. Gareth Nye believes King Charles is fully aware of the cause of his finger issues. Although not life-threatening, it’s a concern that the king likely monitors.
The Bullying of King Charles
King Charles has faced criticism and online bullying for his “sausage fingers” since they were first mentioned during the 2012 Australian tour. Even after ascending to the throne, this aspect of his appearance has not escaped public scrutiny. “Sausage fingers” were a frequently searched term on Google at one point.
The extent of the bullying became evident when, before his coronation, King Charles appeared in new portraits. Notably, he seemed to hide his hands in front of the camera, leading to speculation that he did so because of past bullying.
The online criticism reached a point where people demanded that he show his hands. Despite the harsh treatment, King Charles openly displayed his hands during his state visit to Paris. It was apparent that his fingers had become increasingly swollen, as seen in photos of him in a tuxedo.
The Family Connection
King Charles’ “sausage fingers” seem to have been a long-standing feature, as he made light of them in the 1980s when Prince William was born. In a letter to a friend, he humorously commented that his son had inherited “sausage fingers” just like his own.
This unique feature appears to run in the family. Even King Charles’ toes have shown signs of swelling, as noted by Dr. Gareth Nye. The cause of the swelling depends on whether it is acute or chronic. In Charles’ case, it appears to be chronic, potentially linked to cardiovascular issues, prolonged sitting, or standing.
In conclusion, King Charles’ “sausage fingers” have been a subject of curiosity and speculation. While they may be related to age-related conditions like arthritis, they don’t pose an immediate health concern. The king’s decision to openly display his hands despite past bullying is a testament to his resilience in the face of public scrutiny.