King Charles and Queen Camilla lead Easter service at Windsor

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the British Royal Family’s Easter celebrations at Windsor Castle on Sunday, 20 April.

It marked a poignant moment in the monarch’s ongoing public life amid his cancer treatment.

KING CHARLES AT WINDSOR CASTLE

The royal couple attended the traditional Easter Mattins service at the historic St George’s Chapel. This is a 14th-century sanctuary that has long been the spiritual heart of royal festivities.

Many monarchs, including King Charles’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, were laid to rest here. The service brought together a close-knit group of royals.

King Charles was joined by his siblings, according to People.

KING CHARLES’ FAMILY

These included Princess Anne with her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Andrew with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and Prince Edward with his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Also present were Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, both accompanied by their husbands.

Edward’s son, James, Earl of Wessex, also attended.

Princess Margaret’s children, the Earl of Snowdon and Lady Sarah, also attended, alongside Lady Sarah’s husband, David Chatto.

PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE ABSENT

Notably absent from the Windsor gathering were Prince William and Kate Middleton, who chose to spend Easter at their country home in Norfolk with their three children.

This marked a rare occasion where the Prince and Princess of Wales prioritised family time, especially as their children prepare to return to school soon.

Kate, who is now in remission after her cancer diagnosis last year, and William have been focusing on private family moments amid their public duties.

KING CHARLES’ HEALTH CONCERNS

King Charles, 76, appeared in good spirits and greeted well-wishers with warmth. He replied to a “get well soon” message with, “I’m doing my best!” despite his ongoing cancer treatment.

Last month, the King was briefly hospitalised due to temporary side effects from his treatment, but has since resumed public engagements.

These include a recent state visit to Italy with Queen Camilla.

The Queen, 77, expressed admiration for the King’s dedication. “He enjoys his work, and it energises him. It’s marvellous that after an illness, he feels better and wants to do more and more.”

THE EASTER SERVICE

The Easter service was held in the chapel where King Charles and Queen Camilla’s marriage was blessed in 2005.

This added a personal touch to the occasion as the couple recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary during a state visit to Italy.

The chapel has also hosted many royal weddings and remains a symbol of continuity and tradition for the monarchy.

THE ROYAL MAUNDY SERVICE

Earlier in the week, the King and Queen participated in the Royal Maundy Service.

This is a centuries-old tradition where the monarch distributes special Maundy coins to elderly recipients recognised for their Christian service.

This year, 76 men and 76 women received the gifts, corresponding to the King’s age.

The coins represent a meaningful gesture of gratitude to the community. Each coin’s value is roughly equivalent to several hundred rand.

KING CHARLES’ EASTER MESSAGE

King Charles’s Easter message reflected on humanity’s contradictions. “One of the mysteries of our humanity is our capacity for both significant cruelty and profound kindness.”

He emphasised that “faith, hope, and love” are virtues the world urgently needs. This is a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s complex global landscape.

CHERISHED TRADITIONS

The royal family’s Easter gathering offers a glimpse into the resilience and unity of a monarchy navigating health challenges while upholding cherished traditions.

In the words of King Charles, “With these enduring truths in my thoughts and heart, I wish you all a blessed and serene Easter.”