King Charles III led members of the royal family in their annual Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024. This appearance marked a significant moment for the monarch, as it was one of his first public engagements since his cancer diagnosis was announced earlier this year. Alongside him was Queen Camilla, offering a united front during a period of personal challenges for the royal family.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024 in Windsor, England
The King and Queen were greeted by well-wishers as they arrived for the service, demonstrating the public’s continued support for the royal family. Following the Easter Mattins Service, King Charles and Queen Camilla took time to acknowledge members of the clergy, church staff, and members of the public who had gathered to show their support. Queen Camilla’s elegant attire included a green dress by Anna Valentine, complemented by a Philip Treacy hat and a diamond and emerald brooch with historical significance, once belonging to Queen Elizabeth II, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace.
However, the Easter 2024 royal gathering was noticeably smaller than in previous years. The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, along with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were absent from the traditional Easter Sunday service.
Queen Camilla departs from the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, March 31, 2024
This absence was anticipated after Princess Kate publicly shared her cancer diagnosis earlier in March and announced that she had commenced preventative chemotherapy. Kensington Palace had pre-released information confirming that the Wales family would not be attending the Easter service, allowing the focus to remain on King Charles’s attendance and the broader royal family presence.
Princess Kate’s announcement, delivered via a personal video message, requested privacy for her family during this time. She expressed her need for “time, space and privacy” as she undergoes treatment, while also conveying her hope to return to her royal duties when her health permits. The Princess also emphasized the importance of managing the situation privately for the sake of her young family, particularly in explaining the situation to her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, in an age-appropriate manner and reassuring them of her well-being.
Catherine, Princess of Wales' released an official statement on her health on March 22, 2024
The Princess of Wales’s last major public appearance before her health announcement was on Christmas Day 2023, when she joined other members of the royal family for the traditional Christmas church service in Sandringham. This appearance now takes on added significance in light of subsequent events.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, William, the Prince of Wales, Prince Louis and Mia Tindall arrive to attend the Christmas day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham in Norfolk, England, Dec. 25, 2023
Prior to her cancer diagnosis becoming public, Princess Kate had undergone planned abdominal surgery in January and spent nearly two weeks in hospital. At that time, it was indicated that she would be stepping back from public duties until at least Easter. Following the discovery of cancer during post-operative tests, this timeline was extended indefinitely as she prioritizes her health and treatment.
Prince William is also understood to be taking a period of reduced public engagements to support his wife and children during this challenging time. He is expected to resume full royal duties after their children’s Easter school break concludes in April.
In conclusion, the Royal Family Easter 2024 service was a poignant occasion, marked by King Charles’s courageous public appearance amidst his cancer treatment and the notable absence of the Wales family as Princess Kate focuses on her health. The Easter service served as a moment of unity and faith for the royal family and the nation, even under the shadow of ongoing health concerns within the monarchy.
