King Charles III and Queen Camilla appeared in public briefly on Easter Sunday, greeting well-wishers after attending the traditional Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The occasion, a highlight of the royal calendar, also represented the monarch’s first official public appearance since announcing his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
With Queen Camilla, who wore a light blue dress and matching hat, the King was accompanied by other senior members of the royal family such as Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Andrew. Significantly, Prince Andrew was present at the service with his former wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, following his absence from the royal family’s Christmas party. His return follows ongoing criticism over his reported links to a suspected Chinese spy.
Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, also missed the Easter service. The two are spending the holiday quietly with their children at their Norfolk home. Catherine, who also underwent a diagnosis of cancer, announced she was in remission earlier this year.
After the Easter service at the 15th-century chapel, Queen Camilla was spotted accepting a bouquet of flowers and extending warm Easter wishes to members of the public in a “Happy Easter.” The King did not make any statements during the Easter service, but his Easter message annually released on Thursday commented on conflict across the world, anguish, and courage of individuals risking their lives for others.
King Charles, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, looked in good spirits as he continues to recover. His attendance at the Easter celebration was viewed as a comforting gesture to the public during his health issues and a troubled time for the royal family.
The Easter service reaffirmed the monarchy’s dedication to tradition, even as it struggles with personal and public issues in 2024.
