The BLUE PEE STAGE of the US Presidency DRAGS ON

King George III’s reported blue urine,

often cited as evidence of porphyria causing his "madness," was likely due to treatments containing gentian violet or indigo. While historically linked to porphyria (a metabolic disorder causing reddish-purple urine), modern analysis suggests his symptoms—including blue-tinged urine—could result from intense constipation causing indigo formation or medication. 

• The "Blue" Symptom: In 1812, physicians reported a bluish tinge, sometimes leaving a blue ring on the glass, associated with his severe bouts of illness.
• Alternative Theory - Medication: The king was given medicines containing gentian, a plant that can turn urine blue, which might have caused the discoloration.
• Alternative Theory - Metabolic Waste:
  Extreme constipation could have led to the production of indoxyl sulphate, which, through bacterial action, creates "indigo blue" in the urine
  .
Porphyria Debate: While Ida Macalpine and Richard Hunter famously argued in the 1960s that he suffered from acute porphyria, recent research has questioned this, suggesting his behavior was more consistent with bipolar disorder. 

The "Madness of King George" was likely a combination of physical illness, potential porphyria, and harsh, sometimes inappropriate, medical treatments (such as arsenic, which can worsen porphyria symptoms).