Lady Louise and Duchess of Edinburgh absent from royal gathering as health update issued

Dorothy Reddin
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:03:31 +0000

Members of the Royal Family assembled at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on Sunday for the traditional Easter Matins service.

However, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Lady Louise Windsor were absent from the gathering.

Sophie had been expected to join the King, Queen, and other senior royals for the annual celebration, but remained at home after feeling unwell.

Her husband, Prince Edward, was present alongside their son, James, Earl of Wessex, while their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, stayed at St Andrews University to concentrate on her studies.

The congregation was led by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who arrived to greet well-wishers gathered outside the castle walls.

The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the Easter service with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, representing their first appearance at the annual celebration since Catherine's cancer diagnosis.

William acknowledged the crowds as the family led a procession towards the chapel.

Princess Charlotte wore the same Catherine Walker tan coat she wore last Christmas, whilst her mother chose an elegant Self Portrait dress.

William and his sons appeared in coordinated dark blue suits with ties.

Queen Camilla selected a red wool dress and coat designed by Fiona Clare, paired with a Philip Treacy hat and a brooch that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Peter Phillips attended the service with his fiancée, Harriet Sperling, who was making her first appearance at an official Royal Family event following their engagement announcement earlier in the week.

The couple revealed plans to tie the knot in June.

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Ms Sperling's 15-year-old daughter, Georgina, accompanied them, joining Mr Phillips's daughters Savannah and Isla for the occasion.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie did not attend the Easter service, having received the King's permission to make alternative arrangements.

Both sisters had participated in the Royal Family's Christmas celebrations at Sandringham three months ago, an invitation widely seen as a gesture of support from the monarch.