Charles and Kate's absence has created a void but the King is determined to bounce back – analysis by Cameron Walker

King Charles

King Charles is attending this week's Easter Sunday Service

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Cameron Walker

By Cameron Walker


Published: 26/03/2024

- 17:33

The King and Queen Camilla will attend this week's Easter Sunday Service at St George's Chapel

Buckingham Palace has confirmed The King will attend the traditional Easter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor on Easter Sunday, signalling a strong determination to return to public royal duties.

His Majesty continues to undergo cancer treatment, and has been advised by doctors to avoid large gatherings.


It is understood the traditional event will, therefore, be a smaller affair with a scaled-back royal turnout.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children are not expected to attend.

Queen Camilla and King CharlesQueen Camilla and King Charles will be attending this week's Easter Sunday serviceGetty

Both Prince William and Catherine want to use the Easter holidays to be out of the public eye, and allow the children to come to terms with their mother's cancer diagnosis in private.

As for King Charles, Easter Sunday will be his most significant public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer.

His nephew, Peter Phillips, told an Australian news programme over the weekend The King is "frustrated" that his recovery is taking longer than "he would want it to".

His Majesty is a known workaholic, who is sometimes sat at his desk late into the night.

King Charles

King Charles has stepped back from all public-facing duties since his diagnosis

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Despite his cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment, the monarch has continued to work through his red box of government papers and host Audiences and small meetings.

Royal sources had previously indicated the 75-year-old monarch's appearance on Easter Sunday would not be confirmed until the day, but official confirmation five days early is a positive sign King Charles is on the mend.

Confirmation we will see The King in public, following The Princess of Wales' shock video message to the nation on Friday, is a sign he wishes to reassure his subjects during this uncertain time for the monarchy.

King Charles and The Princess of Wales are two widely respected members of the Royal Family, and their absence from public life has created a void - a limited supply of working royals are there to plug the gap.

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Kate and WilliamPrincess Kate and Prince William will not be attending the Easter Sunday serviceGetty

There are a number of important events coming up in the Royal calendar this summer, including Trooping the Colour and the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Buckingham Palace are understandably not providing a running commentary about The King's health, and are unlikely to confirm his attendance at these events until nearer the time.

For now, it appears to be a gradual return to public life for the King who is closely monitored by dedicated medical staff.

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