The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s eldest daughter, Lasy Louise Windsor, was notably absent from Sunday’s Easter Matin Service at St George’s Chapel which saw the King’s first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis
Lady Louise Windsor may not have been the most senior royal missing from Sunday’s Easter service, but her absence was noted nonetheless.
The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh did not accompany her parents for the Easter Matin congregation at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, which saw King Charles’ first official public appearance since his cancer diagnosis. Many senior members of The Firm rolled up for the service, which came just over a week after Princess Kate also announced she was undergoing cancer treatment.
And while Kate and William’s absence from the service was apparent, Lady Louise was also a no-show as Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie arrived with son James. The 20-year-old was reportedly forced to miss the service as she is currently preparing for exams at the University of St Andrews.
The undergraduate is studying for a degree in English Literature at the same institution where Prince William and Kate Middleton famously met. St Andrews is still in term-time throughout the weeks either side of Easter, Express.co.uk reports, which is followed by two revision weeks before exams commence on April 20.
It’s not the first time Lady Louise has had to miss major royal engagements, however, as she was also forced to miss last year’s celebrations too. Sunday’s church service saw the King and Queen greet crowds with a wave and a smile, as the monarch remarked “I’m doing my best” as one fan wished him “get well soon”.
The 75-year-old also remarked “and to you” as one well-wisher shouted “happy Easter”. The Palace announced back in February that the King had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following planned surgery on an enlarged prostate at The London Clinic private hospital in Marylebone.
Kate, 42, also underwent abdominal surgery at the hospital, before later tests showed signs of cancer. The Princess, William and their three children missed Sunday’s service as they spent the school holidays at Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York, were among the royal guests. They arrived at the chapel slightly ahead of the King and Queen.
