Royal Family Presents United Front at Traditional Easter Service
The King and Queen have presided over a significant gathering of the Royal Family for the annual Easter Matins service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. This traditional event saw the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, in attendance, leading the procession in blustery weather conditions.
Notable Absences and Family Dynamics
This year's service marked a return for William and Kate, who missed the previous two Easter gatherings. In 2025, they spent the weekend in Norfolk with their children, while in 2024, Kate's absence followed closely after her emotional video announcement regarding her preventative chemotherapy treatment following a cancer diagnosis.
The gathering also represented the largest assembly of royals since the arrest of Prince Andrew. His daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, were notably absent from the service, having made alternative plans with the King's agreement. This absence comes despite their participation in Christmas celebrations at Sandringham just three months prior, which was interpreted as a bold statement of support from King Charles.
Extended Family Participation
The royal party included Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, as well as Prince Edward and his son James, Viscount Severn. Peter Phillips and his fiancée Harriet Sperling also attended, marking Harriet's first invitation to a formal family event since their engagement announcement earlier in the week.
Charles and Camilla arrived by car, with the Queen Consort wearing a vibrant red coat. The King was seen playfully tapping Prince Louis on the shoulder as they entered the chapel, where family members had gathered to greet them outside before the service commenced.
Controversies Casting Shadows
The Easter celebrations occurred against a backdrop of ongoing controversies. Both Beatrice and Eugenie were mentioned in the latest tranche of Epstein files released by the U.S. State Department in January, while their father faces allegations related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Royal circles indicate "deep unease" about issuing any public statements regarding the princesses as these allegations continue to emerge.
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, who attended last year's Easter service, were both absent this year due to their banishment from royal duties. Andrew is expected to spend the day on the Sandringham estate, while Ferguson's whereabouts remain unclear since her last public appearance in December.
Broader Royal Engagements and Protests
The Easter celebrations began earlier in the week when King Charles distributed traditional Royal Maundy gifts at St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales. He presented Maundy Money to 154 individuals recognized for outstanding Christian service in their communities.
This event was met with both support and protest. While well-wishers lined the streets with Union and Welsh flags, members of the anti-monarchy group Republic displayed banners demanding a "Royal Epstein inquiry." Graffiti reading "Not our King" was removed from the cathedral grounds hours before the royal couple's arrival.
The Easter service also precedes King Charles's planned state visit to the United States from April 27 to 30, which will proceed despite diplomatic tensions between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer concerning the Iran conflict.
