Cancer-stricken King Charles is ‘turning the dial’ towards resuming his ordinary royal duties as he attends Easter service on Sunday for first public appearance in two months that is a ‘sign of things heading in the right direction’
King Charles is set to ‘flip the switch’ on resuming his regular royal duties as he attends Sunday’s Easter service in what will be his first public appearance in two months following his cancer diagnosis.
A palace source told The Telegraph that the king’s planned presence at the service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, is a “sign that everything is moving in the right direction.”
Charles and Queen Camilla will attend the Easter Matins service – as it is officially called – which the chapel says will last an hour from 10.45am to 11.45am.
The service will be preceded by Holy Communion from 8:30 am to 9:00 am. There will also be a Blessed Eucharist from 12:00 noon to 12:45 p.m., followed by a Eucharist from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children George, Charlotte and Louis will not be there as they spend the holidays together following Kate’s cancer diagnosis.
King Charles III during the recording of The King’s audio message, played during the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday
2023 – King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Princess Anne and Prince Andrew as they attend the Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 9 last year
Aides have reportedly said that His Majesty’s presence at any event is “to be hoped and planned rather than assumed” as he continues to focus on his health.
The king has been treated for an unknown form of cancer since early February, after undergoing surgery for an enlarged prostate at the London Clinic.
It comes a week after Charles’ daughter-in-law Kate revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing preventive chemotherapy.
William and Kate will not attend the service, which is unlikely to be a major family gathering or service, while Charles has suspended royal duties to the public.
William is expected to return to public duties after his children return to school after the Easter holidays.
For now, he will continue to balance supporting his wife and family with carrying out his official duties, as he has done since her surgery in January.
2023 — The Prince and Princess of Wales with George, Charlotte and Louis at the Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel on April 9, 2023
2022 — Prince William and Kate attend the Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle with Prince George and Princess Charlotte on April 17, 2022
2019 — Members of the Royal Family, including Prince Harry, Kate and William, watch as Queen Elizabeth II arrives for the Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel on April 21, 2019
It is not known how long Kate will receive treatment, but it is understood she is keen to attend events when she is able, in accordance with medical advice, although this does not mean she will return to full-time work.
Charles’ engagement on Easter Sunday will be seen as a step by the king to reassure the public after the shocking news.
The king himself is still undergoing treatment for cancer, but carries out quiet official duties behind the palace walls.
Although the Easter service takes place in the grounds of the castle, the King and Queen are seen arriving and are often watched by Windsor resident staff, who usually gather on a nearby lawn or watch from their doorstep.
The King and Queen were present at last year’s service, along with Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Sophie and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.