Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor broke cover just two days before the royal family was set to gather to celebrate a happy occasion.
The ex-prince was seen near his Sandringham home, Marsh Farm, where he had been exiled by King Charles following the release of the Epstein files.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s father was seen driving in his Land Rover when eagle-eyed royal watchers spotted an odd bruise on his face.
Online users assumed that Andrew may have been punched in the face and observed other details of the mark.
Soon after, an insider dismissed the allegations to the Daily Mail, citing that there was “no drama” behind the bruise. They indicated that no confrontation or accident had caused the mark.
“Looks like there’s a yellow bruise down his jowl. And beside his nose. Looks a few days old judging by the colour and spread,” one commentator wrote.
Another one noted that Andrew’s condition looks similar to his late father Prince Philip’s, who had “dark, almost bruise looking circles around his eyes” before his death.
According to this theory, the source told the Times that the bruise is the result of a “non-serious medical condition”.
There is no official statement on the condition of the ex-prince. However, during Easter, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh had visited Andrew in what was being called a “wellness check” after concerns were raised about his health.
Moreover, Princess Anne is reportedly keeping in touch with him privately, which could suggest that it is a medical condition kept hidden from the public.
Meanwhile, reports have stressed that King Charles is not keeping in contact and has no plans to meet him.