King Charles III, despite his ongoing battle with cancer, played a prominent role in leading the royal family’s Easter church service this Sunday, marking his first significant public appearance since his diagnosis.
Accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, the 75-year-old monarch made an appearance at Windsor Castle over the weekend. They greeted the crowd outside St. George’s Chapel before joining the church clergy for the annual Easter Mattins Service.
However, in adherence to medical advice, the king chose to break tradition this year by abstaining from attending a reception or hosting a private family lunch after the service.
Among those present at the service were all of Charles’ siblings, including Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, along with Princess Anne and Prince Edward. Notably absent were Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—following Middleton’s recent announcement of her own battle with cancer.
Instead, the Cambridge family is anticipated to observe a private Easter celebration at their residence in Anmer Hall, Norfolk.
Charles’ appearance comes on the heels of Middleton’s public disclosure of her cancer diagnosis and her commencement of preventive chemotherapy. She emphasized her positive outlook and determination to heal, revealing that the cancer was detected during a planned abdominal surgery earlier in the year.
Charles disclosed his own cancer diagnosis in February, following surgery for an enlarged prostate. Prior to Middleton’s public announcement, they reportedly shared a private lunch to discuss their shared health experiences. The monarch publicly praised Middleton for her courage in addressing her diagnosis, expressing pride in her resilience.
A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace reiterated Charles’ unwavering support for Middleton, emphasizing his continual close contact with her throughout her ordeal.