Today at St. George’s Chapel, King Charles took his place in the Sovereign’s Seat while the Royal Family occupied the stalls, adhering to Easter Sunday service tradition. Despite battling cancer, the monarch uplifted fans with Easter greetings upon arrival at Windsor Castle alongside Queen Camilla, marking his notable return to public life.
In his maroon state Bentley limousine, the jubilant 75-year-old waved and smiled at well-wishers, offering a heartening sight amidst his recent health challenges. His presence serves as a comforting reassurance to the public, signaling a gradual resumption of his official duties post-diagnosis.
However, this year’s Easter service for the Royal Family differed notably from previous years. Unlike last year, where King Charles led the Firm—including William, Kate, and their children—on foot to the service, this time he arrived by car, adhering to medical advice to minimize infection risk during treatment.
Following custom, the King occupied the Sovereign’s Seat at the front of the altar, joined by his family in their usual stalls. St. George’s Chapel’s layout ensures the main congregation sits in a separate section of the church, maintaining tradition amid these unique circumstances.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have made their entrance for the Easter Service at Windsor Castle, marking the monarch’s gradual return to public engagements with a gentle approach.
This morning, the 75-year-old radiated joy, greeting well-wishers with smiles and waves as he arrived at St. George’s Chapel in his maroon state Bentley limousine for the service.
After participating in the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, King Charles and Queen Camilla extend greetings to those in attendance.
As they arrive at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, the King and Queen offer friendly waves to onlookers.
With Prince William absent, Prince Andrew and his former wife, Sarah, the Duchess of York, took the lead in escorting the Royal Family into the chapel.
Prince Andrew led the royal family into the chapel. Many of the senior royals seemed to coordinate their attire for the traditional service, with Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and Sarah Ferguson all elegantly dressed in green. Queen Elizabeth wore a green coat dress by Anna Valentine, paired with a hat by Philip Treacey and an emerald and diamond brooch from her collection.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were notably absent this morning as they continue to recover in private following Kate’s unexpected cancer diagnosis. In a poignant video released just over a week ago, the Princess requested privacy as she disclosed her upcoming preventative chemotherapy. Kensington Palace subsequently confirmed their absence from the Easter Sunday church service.
Instead, the couple will spend the Easter holidays with their children at Amner Hall, their country residence, seeking solace and privacy as they move forward. Following Kate’s heartfelt video, the King expressed his pride in her bravery and maintains close communication with his beloved daughter-in-law.
King Charles and Queen Camilla greet royal enthusiasts, one of whom proudly displays a Welsh flag.
Charles shares a laugh as he interacts with a member of the public while departing from the Windsor ceremony today.
The Queen adorned herself in a green coat dress designed by Anna Valentine, complemented by a hat from Philip Treacey, and accessorized with an emerald and diamond brooch from Queen Elizabeth’s collection.
Sarah, the Duchess of York, is present at the Easter Matins Service held at Windsor Castle on March 31st.
Princess Anne arrived wearing a green coat, paired with brown gloves and a matching clutch.
Charles bids farewell to well-wishers as he departs from today’s Easter Matins Service at Windsor Castle.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are spotted sharing laughter outside St. George’s Chapel this morning.
Princess Anne, accompanied by her husband, arrives to participate in the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Sarah, Duchess of York, and Prince Andrew are spotted arriving at Windsor Castle.
King Charles and Queen Camilla wear smiles as they exchange greetings with attendees following their attendance at the Easter Matins Service held at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Bishop John Inge then offered a blessing to the King, expressing hopes that Camilla would convey their love and respects to him.
In Charles’s speech, there was no mention of family health matters, including his own cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as that of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales. Instead, the King emphasized the significance of acts of friendship, particularly in times of need, in his personal Easter message.
Charles’ pre-recorded audio, his first public words since Kate disclosed her chemotherapy treatment, was broadcast in his absence. He highlighted how Jesus Christ set an example of serving and caring for one another and emphasized the importance of extending friendship, especially in challenging times.
While the King did not directly address his and his daughter-in-law’s health, his remarks are likely to be interpreted as reflecting on the nation’s response to their challenges as they undergo cancer treatment. The Princess’s emotional video message released last Friday revealed her commencement of preventative chemotherapy.
He gripped his mother’s hand firmly, casting a serious glance at the awaiting media, while the Princess offered a fleeting smile and a greeting.
Heartwarming scene as Camilla receives a bouquet of flowers outside the Easter service.
Later, it was reported that she was deeply touched by the overwhelming public support following her announcement.
Last month, the King revealed how he was deeply moved to tears by the messages and cards of support from well-wishers.
Charles, who ascended to the throne only 18 months ago, reaffirmed his Coronation pledge “not to be served but to serve.”
He recorded a Bible reading and, in his concise personal message, commended the Maundy money recipients as “wonderful examples of kindness” for dedicating their lives to serving others in their communities.
He reiterated his Coronation pledge: “Not to be served but to serve.”
The message was recorded as audio instead of video due to Worcester Cathedral’s lack of television playback capabilities.
At last year’s service, the King and Queen attended alongside Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Sophie, and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
Charles and Camilla wore matching royal blue attire, with the King donning a suit and the Queen Consort donning a coat dress by Anna Valentine paired with a Philip Treacy hat.
In 2023, the King and Queen Consort appeared cheerful as they greeted the crowds watching as the royals entered St. George’s Chapel.
The Wales family coordinated in various shades of blue attire, from the Princess’s striking coat and hat to Charlotte’s tights and Louis’ shorts. Their mother complemented Louis’ outfit with knee-high socks, a jacket, and a blue shirt and tie.
They departed from the service separately, with Camilla pausing to accept a bouquet from Harriet, 10. She waved to onlookers, extending wishes for a ‘Happy Easter’, before entering a waiting car.
Charles also acknowledged the crowd, earning applause as he exited the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel, adjacent to Windsor Castle, a few minutes afterward.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were accompanied by their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Four-year-old Prince Louis made his first appearance, holding his mother’s hand, the Princess of Wales. He cast a serious gaze at the awaiting media upon arrival and departure from the service, while the Princess greeted with a brief smile and greeting. Meanwhile, his elder sister Charlotte cheerfully greeted well-wishers.
