When King Charles celebrated his 76th birthday on November 14, he was seen hiding under a thick mask of makeup to conceal his “agonizing mouth sores,” reportedly caused by ca:n:cer treatment.

According to a royal insider, the septuagenarian is “sicker than he makes himself out to be” and his “raw and ruddy” appearance is making “some people draw back in horror.”

In September 2022, a 73-year-old King Charles ascended to the throne his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away. His brief reign has been overshadowed by familial discord – particularly between Prince Harry and Prince William – and his ongoing battle with cancer.

Over the past year, the King has faced some great challenges with ca:nc:er and in spite of some progress in his treatment, recent public appearances have not silenced rumors about his health and visible physical decline.

Before his diagnosis, the septuagenarian celebrated his first state birthday in June 2023 as king by riding on horseback to inspect his troops in Trooping the Colour, an annual military parade and ceremony that honors the official birthday of the monarch.

Only one year later, the king – unable to travel by horseback because he was being treated for cancer – instead observed the big day by riding in a carriage.

His Majesty turns 76

The day before November 14 – his real birthday, Charles celebrated turning 76 by attending the UK premiere of the highly anticipated Gladiator sequel.

“Although Charles is trying to show that it’s business as usual, it’s not working out that way,” says a royal insider, explaining that concerns over his health only intensified after his appearance at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square cinema in central London.

“Anyone can see he’s not well,” the source adds.

And the excessive layers of makeup do not help.

Per reports, the monarchs’ aides are trying to hide his “alarming” complexion by using heavy cosmetics intended to mask the king’s “blotchy and puffy” face.