Royal pulls out of annual Easter Sunday service due to illness

The traditional Easter Sunday church service took place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor

A congregation of royals gathered for the traditional Easter Sunday church service, though one prominent family member was notably absent.

The Duchess of Edinburgh had been anticipated among those joining the King, Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales for the annual Easter Matins service at Windsor Castle. However, despite her husband Prince Edward attending alongside their son James, the Earl of Wessex, Sophie was nowhere to be seen.

According to the Mirror, it is understood she opted against attending due to feeling ‘under the weather’.

The couple’s daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, who is currently studying at St Andrews University, was likewise absent, having chosen to focus on her academic commitments.

Notwithstanding Sophie’s absence, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the traditional Easter service with their children for the first time since Kate’s cancer diagnosis. Both Kate and William were amongst the senior royals accompanying the King and Queen at the Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

William acknowledged the crowd gathered outside the castle walls as the couple led a procession to the service alongside their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Charlotte was dressed in a tan coat, while Kate opted for an elegant off-white ensemble comprising a skirt, tailored jacket and a leafy hat. William and the boys were smartly turned out in dark blue suits and ties. Camilla stepped out wearing a red wool dress and coat by Fiona Clare, complemented by a Philip Treacy hat and a brooch previously owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Also present amongst the royal gathering was Peter Phillips alongside his fiancée Harriet Sperling, who revealed earlier this week their wedding plans for June. This Easter appearance represents Harriet’s debut at an official family occasion, accompanied by her daughter Georgina, 15, who joined Peter’s daughters Savannah and Isla.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, daughters of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, were notably absent, having secured the King’s approval to pursue alternative arrangements.

This follows Beatrice and Eugenie’s participation in Royal Family Christmas festivities at Sandringham just three months prior. Their invitation and attendance was interpreted as a significant gesture of solidarity from the King, who demonstrated understanding for their circumstances.

The Royal Easter commemorations commenced on Thursday when Charles presented the customary Royal Maundy gifts during a dedicated service. Accompanied by Camilla at St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales, he distributed Maundy Money to 77 men and 77 women recognised for their exceptional Christian service and positive impact within their local communities.