Royals gather for Windsor Easter Sunday service
Royals gather for Windsor Easter Sunday service
On Easter Sunday, King Charles and Queen Camilla participated in a church service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. The event featured several other royal figures, including the Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales. The princess, who has missed the annual tradition for two years due to her ongoing cancer treatment, was joined by her husband and their children. Prince William and Princess Catherine led their offspring into the chapel, with Princess Charlotte waving to spectators behind barriers.
Family Absences and New Plans
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, along with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his former spouse Sarah Ferguson, were absent from the gathering. This marks their first departure from the customary event since last year. A source noted that the princesses had arranged “alternative arrangements” for the holiday. Meanwhile, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, accompanied by their family, were present, adding to the royal presence at the service.
Maundy Service Earlier This Week
On Thursday, the King and Queen attended the traditional Maundy service in Denbighshire, Wales. This ceremony honors the Last Supper and emphasizes values of humility and community service. The King presented gifts to 77 men and 77 women in recognition of their contributions to Christian outreach and local support initiatives.
Scandal and Royal Titles
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, now without his royal title, continues to face scrutiny following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has relocated to Sandringham, Norfolk, as investigations persist. The former prince’s family has been implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, with ongoing questions about connections to the U.S. sex offender. Mountbatten-Windsor has refuted any wrongdoing linked to Epstein.
Archbishop’s Easter Message
For the first time, Dame Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, delivered an Easter sermon. In her address, she called for an end to “violence and destruction” in the Middle East. The Archbishop urged “renewed urgency” in seeking peace, as the US-Israel conflict with Iran enters its sixth week. The service underscored the royal family’s role in maintaining a symbolic, family-oriented tradition rather than a formal state occasion.
The King did not release an Easter message this year, focusing instead on the familial gathering. Spectators expressed approval as the royal couple entered last, with one individual shouting, “God bless the King.”
