The British monarch is joined by wife Camilla and disgraced brother Andrew at the Easter Sunday service while his oldest son and his spouse skip the event along with their young children.
- Mar 31, 2024
AceShowbiz - King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, attended the Easter Sunday church service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. However, due to his ongoing cancer treatment, he sat apart from the rest of the royal family and attendees as a precaution.
Following medical advice, the couple also opted out of the customary post-service events, including a reception and a private family lunch. Nevertheless, the King briefly greeted members of the public gathered outside the church, shaking hands and sharing Easter wishes.
The scaled-down observance underscored the seriousness of the King's health condition but also signaled a positive move forward. A royal source close to the household said that Charles is "progressing well" in his treatment and that "he is positive, and the doctors are optimistic."
Joining the King and Queen at the service were Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Notably absent were Kate Middleton and Prince William, along with their children, who did not attend following Kate's recent public announcement of her own cancer diagnosis.
In light of his treatment, doctors have advised the King to minimize contact with others. While refraining from public engagements, he remains active behind the scenes, conducting small audiences at Buckingham Palace.
Despite his health challenges, the King's team remains optimistic about his progress. A royal source told PEOPLE that "there could be a slow increase of numbers of people they are able to meet indoors" and that "one thing that has been wholly undiminished is his appetite for work."
While Charles's attendance at the chapel was a sign of his improving health, Queen Camilla made history as the first consort to lead the traditional Easter ceremony in the King's absence.
In a pre-recorded Easter message broadcast at the Royal Maundy Service in Worcester Cathedral, Charles reflected on the importance of care and friendship. He stated that Jesus set an "example of how we should serve and care for each other" and that "we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need."
