King Charles will accompany Queen Camilla to the ceremony – the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on Easter Sunday – it jas been confirmed
The King and Queen are to attend the Easter Mattins Service at St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle on Easter Sunday, Buckingham Palace has announced.
King Charles, currently undergoing chemotherapy, continues his recovery from surgery he had in January. He has reportedly expressed his desire to return to royal events but Sunday’s appearance will be the monarch’s first significant duty since his cancer diagnosis in February.
The 75-year-old monarch was today seen for the first time since the Princess of Wales revealed her own cancer diagnosis. Charles was seen leaving Windsor and arriving at Clarence House, where he waved to wellwishers. The dad of two is continuing his duties as head of state behind palace walls, conducting audiences and Privy Council meetings.
Now, Buckingham Palace says Charles, Camilla and other members of the Royal Family will be present at the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on the weekend. The Mirror reported the monarch had planned to lead his family as a public show of unity. A royal source had told us: “The King has been keeping in touch with the Princess of Wales from the moment she was admitted to hospital in January and throughout her current cancer treatment.
“He is utterly determined to put on a show of unity for his family and reassure the public and wider world that the monarchy is stable, despite the current tumultuous period it is experiencing. The King is very much hoping he will be able to make the Easter church service but will of make a final decision on the day.”
But Kate, William, George, Charlotte and Louis will skip the Easter Mattins Service, it emerged on Friday after Kate’s video was published. The church service is usually a regular event in their diaries. The monarch has reduced his duties and cut back on public appearances while he undergoes weekly treatment for cancer, but will be present on Sunday.
And today, the monarch took part in an audience at the palace with community faith leaders from across the UK. The event was to celebrate those taking part in the Windsor Leadership Trust programme, which organisers say encourages and supports dialogue, harmony and understanding at a time of heightened international tension.
In his first public statement last month since his cancer diagnosis, Charles expressed gratitude to the public for their support, saying it brought him “the greatest comfort and encouragement”.
Although the Easter service is within the grounds of the castle, the King and Queen will be seen arriving, and are often watched by staff living at Windsor, who usually gather on a grassy bank nearby or watch from their doorsteps.
