Royals attend Windsor Easter Sunday service

Royals attend Windsor Easter Sunday service

On Easter Sunday, King Charles and Queen Camilla joined other senior members of the Royal Family at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. The Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were present, though the latter had not participated in the annual event for two years. Their absence last year was due to a family trip to Norfolk, while the year prior followed Catherine’s recent cancer diagnosis.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, along with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, were not part of the gathering this time. The royal daughters opted for different arrangements for the holiday, as reported. As Prince William and Princess Catherine entered the chapel with their children, applause echoed from spectators outside. Princess Charlotte was seen waving to the crowd, who had gathered behind barriers to watch the procession.

“God bless the King,” shouted one onlooker as the monarchs arrived last. The King and Queen later greeted the public upon exiting the chapel, extending well-wishes for the holiday. When asked about the service, Queen Camilla described it as “good,” highlighting its role as a cherished family tradition rather than an official royal duty.

Prince Edward and his family also participated, alongside Princess Anne and her husband Sir Tim Laurence. The King did not deliver an Easter message this year, a departure from previous customs. On Thursday, he and Queen Camilla attended the Maundy service in Denbighshire, Wales, a ceremony symbolizing humility and community service through the distribution of gifts to 77 men and 77 women.

Meanwhile, the Epstein scandal continues to cast a shadow over Mountbatten-Windsor, who has been under investigation for public office misconduct. Stripped of his royal title, the former prince remains in Norfolk, where he has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding ties to the US sex offender. He has denied any wrongdoing linked to the case.

Dame Sarah Mullally, newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, delivered the Easter sermon for the first time as head of the Church of England. In her address, she urged an end to “violence and destruction” in the Middle East, praying “with renewed urgency” for peace amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran entering its sixth week.