King Charles returned to public duties after his March hospitalization, attending a musical reception at Windsor Castle. However, online reactions quickly shifted when netizens spotted something that gave them pause.

King Charles was hospitalized in March 2025 at The London Clinic, following ongoing medical treatment related to the cancer diagnosis he publicly announced in February 2024. The palace confirmed his hospitalization on March 27, noting that the 76-year-old monarch was receiving scheduled care.

King Charles III inspecting the 200th Sovereign’s parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on April 14, 2023, in Camberley, England. | Source: Getty Images

Having since been discharged, the King resumed public duties with a reception at Windsor Castle on April 3. The event honored individuals involved in community music across the UK — but it was His Majesty’s interaction with the London Vegetable Orchestra that stole the spotlight.

King Charles III speaking with members of the London Vegetable Orchestra during a reception to recognise those involved in community music across the UK, at Windsor Castle on April 3, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

In a playful moment caught on camera, King Charles was seen holding and playing a carrot like a musical instrument. The clip quickly went viral, with the lighthearted act drawing laughs and admiration online.

However, not all of the attention was celebratory. As photos of the King circulated, several netizens voiced concern over his appearance — particularly the condition of his hands.

As reactions continued to pour in, more observers voiced concern about the King’s apparent physical symptoms. Numerous pointed to what they believed could be circulation or vascular problems, while others remarked that his fingers appeared unusually thick — some even likening them to sausages.

King Charles III playing a carrot with the London Vegetable Orchestra during a reception to recognize those involved in community music across the UK, at Windsor Castle on April 3, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

One viewer noted the carrot flute looked nearly the same width as his finger. Others simply asked why his hands seemed so swollen, with one person wondering aloud if anyone else had noticed the change.

As we previously reported, King Charles made a brief hospital visit following side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment and the 75-year-old monarch postponed his engagements to focus on his recovery after returning to Clarence House.

Buckingham Palace’s decision to release its announcement later in the evening was due to discussions between the King’s medical team and palace staff. They weighed whether his planned visit to Birmingham should proceed but ultimately chose to postpone it to protect the King’s health.

A royal source emphasized that the King’s “recovery path continues in a positive direction” and described the hospital visit as “no drama.” His Majesty attended the London Clinic, where he was treated for an enlarged prostate in January 2024. He traveled to and from the hospital by car.

King Charles III is driven by car from Clarence House, his London home, along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace on March 28, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The visit was not seen as a significant development, and no further updates on the King’s condition were expected at the time of writing.

Reports from The Sun revealed that Prince Harry was not informed about his father’s hospital visit. The Palace chose not to contact the Duke of Sussex, who is 5,000 miles away, to avoid causing unnecessary concern.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, attends the One805 Rock for Responders benefit on March