A royal commentator has highlighted that King Charles sitting away from his family during the Easter service is reminiscent of when the late Queen distanced herself from the family at her husband Prince Philip's funeral due to Covid-19 restrictions.
His Majesty is currently undergoing cancer treatment and this is his first public event since his diagnosis.
Speaking to GB News Rafe Heydel-Makoo said: "So this is being styled unofficially as Easter Light.
"So it is very much the same structure and skeleton of traditional Easter services just with a reduced number of royals and some slight tweaks to take into account the fact that His Majesty is undergoing treatment and does need to be separated a bit from the congregation because of infection risks and so forth.
"The King is sitting slightly separate with the Queen. And that does remind us of the [late] Queen in that very same building for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, which was almost three years ago, on April 17."
The Queen sat away from her family due to Covid 19 restrictions
GETTY
It is understood that he was seated slightly away from others as part of arrangements considered an "acceptable" environment for the King at this stage.
The King attended the Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor this afternoon but is not expected to be present for a post-service reception or host lunch, according to The Telegraph.
The Duke and Duchess of York joined King Charles and the Queen for the Easter service along with Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
The Duke of York no longer carries out royal duties as he is not a working royal, however as the King's brother he is allowed to attend private family events.
Ahead of his public appearance, the King sent an Easter message about "care and friendship" on Thursday. The pre-recorded audio message will be the King’s first public words since the Princess of Wales revealed her cancer diagnosis last week.
The message was broadcast in his absence at the Royal Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral.
King Charles has stepped out for the Sunday Easter serviceGettyThe King commented on how Jesus was an "example of how we should serve and care for each other" and as a nation "we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need."
Although the King does not directly mention his daughter-in-law, it sends a poignant message surrounding her recent health announcement.
Princess Kate and Prince William did not attend the Easter service after Kate revealed last Friday that she is also undergoing treatment for a form of cancer.
Kate confirmed in an emotional video last Friday that she has cancer but did not say which type of cancer she has been diagnosed with. The princess said the news was a "huge shock" after an "incredibly tough couple of months".
But added that she was "well" and "getting stronger every day". Kensington Palace has not provided an update on when the princess’s treatment will end or when Kate will return to working duties.
However, Kate did note how much she enjoys her work and is looking forward to being back when she is able. She said: "My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery."
Kate added: "This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.