Ruth Langsford fronted Loose Women today alongside panellists Linda Robson, Brenda Edwards and Olivia Attwood but the latter sparked backlash when she took aim at King Charles’s fingers.
It comes after the panel addressed a new, official portrait of the King which has been unveiled – ahead of being hung in buildings across the UK as part of an £8m government-funded scheme.
The photograph shows the King in his full military regalia, wearing his Royal Navy uniform – as he is an admiral of the fleet – and an abundance of medals and decorations.
His pristine white gloves and hat can be seen on an antique table and, in his left hand, he grasps a sword.
Olivia was in full support of the portrait but quizzed: “I was just wondering about the fingers… are there any Face Gym on them or are they exactly as they are?”
Ruth said: “Let’s pull the portrait up,” as Charles’s regal photo appeared on-screen.
Olivia joked: “Oooh… they are very voluptuous,” in reference to his fingers, before adding: “He’s hidden them but he looks lovely.”
But some viewers were unimpressed by the jibe as @TellyvsPodcasts asked: “Why is Olivia body shaming others?? #loosewomen”
@Bob wrote: “Fingers!!! Wtf #loosewomen,” while @Sixtwonine_289 “The King’s fingers are swollen due to a probable immune disorder. It’s not something to laugh at or induce laughter from your audience.”
King Charles’s swollen hands have been a topic of conversation for years. While he has never addressed the reason, back in 2012 he joked about his “sausage fingers” after getting off a long haul flight to Australia.
Meanwhile, viewers also hit out at the expense of Charles’s portrait with as many claimed it’s a waste of taxpayer’s money.
@cat_girl71 wrote: “Why can’t they send the print of the king digitally I think it costs pence in photo shop to print lol.”
Another agreed as @Mr Dale Bales said: “You’re so right Brenda. The Conservative Party have spent billions of pounds on these projects which haven’t come to fruition and the money is lost. They were supposed to be the party who cared about the economy but they’ve crashed it and wasted billions.”
@domain quipped: “8 million for a f*****g portrait? Who’s doing it, vincent van Gogh?#loosewomen”
@mabelmouse wrote: “No one will notice that there’s a picture of King Charles in a building or not. It’s a complete waste of money.”
@sammysandwch added: “#Loosewomen The King’s portraits waste of money. It’s quite easy to be photocopied and placed in a frame. The monies need to be used for better things.”
Others defended the royal as @courtenaywrites said: “The irony of @loosewomen talking about how terrible it is that the painting will cost millions when they’re advertising competitions by paying some presenter to have yet another holiday. #LooseWomen”
“@loosewomen the @RoyalFamily bring millions to this country every year,” @did wrote.
@B13Gillie remarked: “@loosewomen don’t moan about Charles’s portrait when @RishiSunak is spending millions/billions on aid /weapons to Ukraine.”
