Concerns around the state of King Charles III's fingers have risen since his induction as the head of state of the UK.
People have been voicing their worries about the shape and size of his hands, and how swollen and red they appear to be in photos. One concerned Twitter user said: "Huw Edwards just said that King Charles had a ‘big hand’ in composition of the funeral wreath.
"Come on Huw, you could have come up with a better choice of words. The poor man clearly has arthritic fingers."
Another said: "King Charles also has a bloated red finger problem." And a third noted: "Charles‘ sausage fingers still not sorted out I see."
Now as reported by Leicestershire Live, one doctor has given his verdict on why the monarch's hands look so puffy.
Dr Gareth Nye has given his opinion on the possible explanation for the swelling on the King's hands, and what it may mean for the future. Dr Nye has said that the monarch could be suffering from oedema from severe arthritis, or just old age.
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However, it's unlikely any of the reasons should 'concern' the public, the expert said. Dr Gareth Nye said: "Oedema is a condition where the body starts to retain fluids in the limbs, normally the legs and ankles but also in the fingers, which causes them to swell.
"To see if this is the cause, pressing the swollen area for about 15 seconds would cause a depression in the area. Arthritis - another common condition in the over 60s. It often affects three main areas in the hand - the thumb joint or either joints in the fingers.
"Fingers usually become stiff, painful and swollen and although medication can help with the pain, the swelling can remain."
King Charles' swollen hands are something that have been apparent for many years, and has been a condition he has suffered from for a while. He even joked about it back in 2012 on a visit to Australia, calling them "sausage fingers".
The swollen fingers are particularly noticeable after he has spent long periods flying or travelling to hot countries.
It was reported that when Charles was born in November 1948, the Queen wrote a letter to her former music teacher - outlining the fact her newborn had an 'interesting pair of hands for a baby'.
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