King Charles hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, July 8.
The Prince and Princess of Wales first met the French President at RAF Northolt in west London, before they proceeded on to Windsor.
The King and Queen Camilla then received the visitors, before retiring for lunch within the castle walls.
The French couple were then expected to view items in the Royal Collection, with a special focus on ones with an association with France.
Although he seemed in good spirits, King Charles has sparked concern among onlookers, appearing with a sore-looking red eye.
King Charles displays shocking bloodshot eye as he meets with French President Macron and his wife Brigitte.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) July 8, 2025
The British monarch’s eye appeared painfully red with a palace source saying it was due to a burst blood vessel.
It’s understood that the King’s eye was affected… pic.twitter.com/JTPkk3SvDg
What happened to the King’s eye?
Reports via HELLO! state that the redness came from a burst blood vessel. Despite some speculation on social media, it’s not thought to be related to any existing health conditions.
The King has been undergoing treatment for cancer over the last few months, although reports from the end of 2024 said that the process was going in a positive direction.
Some social media users speculated that the red eye could be a side effect from cancer treatment, but it’s thought that this is untrue.
Although the suspected burst blood vessel looks dramatic, such injuries typically heal on their own without the need for any treatment or medical intervention, according to the NHS.
King Charles is somewhat experienced with eye injuries, having had to wear an eye patch back in 2001 after a gardening-related injury.
The then 52-year-old had to undergo hospital treatment after getting dust in his eye while sawing a tree in the garden.
Thankfully, the red eye – while looking equally dramatic – should sort itself out on its own.
The King appeared to be in good spirits, suggesting that the red eye isn’t causing him too much discomfort.
Today is the first day of President Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK, the first from a French leader since 2008.
