King Charles III led the royal family in their traditional Easter Sunday service at St. George's Chapel, marking a rare public appearance for the 75-year-old monarch since he announced his cancer diagnosis in February. The King's attendance at the annual Easter Mattins Service could help ease the focus on Princess Kate, who recently shared her own cancer diagnosis, according to royal expert Joe Little.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, were notably absent from the service. The family's absence was expected after Kate, 42, announced earlier this month that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had begun preventative chemotherapy as treatment.
"I think people accept and understand that the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family are on Easter holiday now and that they need their privacy... [to] just get on with being a family," said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine. "I think whatever the King has done today wouldn't have been with that specifically in mind, but it certainly helps."
King Charles walked alongside his wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort, as they made their way to the church. After the service, the royal couple thanked members of the congregation, workers, and members of the general public in attendance. Onlookers later remarked that the King "looked good" and was in "high spirits."
In a video message announcing her diagnosis, Princess Kate asked for privacy for her family, saying, "We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. 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."
The princess's last major public appearance was on Christmas Day, when she and Prince William joined royal family members in attending church at Sandringham, the King's estate in Norfolk, England. In mid-January, Kate underwent planned abdominal surgery and was hospitalized for nearly two weeks. The cancer was discovered in post-operative tests after her surgery.
"This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," Kate said in her video message, shared on March 19. "As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok."
Prince William is also taking time away from public duties until his children return to school later in April, according to the palace.
The smaller royal family appearance at the Easter service highlights the ongoing health struggles faced by both King Charles and Princess Kate. As the two senior royals undergo treatment for their respective cancers, the royal family is navigating a delicate balance between maintaining public duties and ensuring the privacy and well-being of its members.
The King's "hugely encouraging" public appearance on Easter Sunday serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the royal family in the face of adversity. As Princess Kate focuses on her recovery and the Wales family takes time to process and manage the situation privately, the support and understanding of the public will be crucial in allowing them the space and privacy they need during this challenging time.
