The Prince and Princess of Wales did not attend this year’s ‘Easter lite’ Sunday church service as the Firm put on a united front after a difficult few weeks. The Royal Family have put on a united front today as they arrived at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor for the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins service, however, they were short of some of their most beloved members. The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, did not attend today’s royal event.
The Wales family were snapped heading to Norfolk earlier this month to spend their Easter holidays there instead. It is quite the difference from last year, when the whole family joined the rest of the royals at church, with Prince Louis making his first Easter appearance. Last Friday, Princess Kate shocked royal watchers worldwide when she announced in an emotional video message that she’s been diagnosed with a type of cancer.
The future queen said she undergoing preventative chemotherapy and is not expected to resume her royal duties until she’s been cleared by her doctors. Kate said in her video she will return as soon as she is able to but is currently focusing on making a full recovery. She said: “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.” Later, a Palace spokesperson confirmed: “The princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team.
“She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.” Today, King Charles led the royals for an “Easter lite” type of service in order to minimise contact with other people as Britons all across the country are celebrating Easter. Charles is currently undergoing therapy for his cancer, and while he still undertakes his constitutional duties, he has minimised his public-facing appearances, until he fully recovers.
On Thursday, the King pledged to serve the nation with “my whole heart” in a moving Easter message which was broadcast at the Royal Maundy service in Worcester, where Queen Camilla represented him – a first for a Consort. The monarch said the verse from the Gospel according to St John “has its origin in the life of our Lord, who knelt before his disciples, and to their great surprise, washed their trouble-weary feet”.
He added that in doing so, Jesus set “an example of how we should serve and care for each other” – and how as a nation “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need”.
