Cancer-battling King Charles hopes he will be well enough to attend reduced ‘Easter Lite’ service next Sunday
King Charles hopes he will be healthy enough to attend a limited ‘Easter Lite’ service next Sunday as his battle with cancer continues.
The 75-year-old will lead a smaller royal contingent at the traditional Easter service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, health permitting.
A palace source confirmed this the Telegraph: ‘The King and Queen hope to attend some form of Easter service in Windsor.’
“However, it will not be the large family gathering we would expect under other circumstances.”
The king is currently undergoing treatment for cancer and has stepped back from his royal duties as he battles the disease.
King Charles (pictured at last year’s service) hopes he will be healthy enough to attend a limited ‘Easter Lite’ service next Sunday as his battle with cancer continues
The 75-year-old will lead a smaller royal contingent at the traditional Easter service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, health permitting. The Wales family employed last year
One of the reasons for this is the ‘risks associated with large crowds’ and therefore the gathering at the service is expected to be much smaller than normal.
The news comes after Kate confirmed she will not attend the ‘Easter Lite’ service with other royals following her cancer diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales, 42, made the decision after the release of her emotional video message on Friday evening.
She is apparently committed to continuing her normal routine, which she considers an important part of her recovery, but there is no set timeline for her return to public life.
The future queen is currently undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy treatment and has asked the public to respect the privacy of her young family.
Sitting on a bench in Windsor, surrounded by spring flowers, the Princess of Wales took the extraordinary step of revealing to the world on Friday that she has cancer
Last year’s Easter Sunday service in Windsor saw the royal family show up on the castle grounds
Mike Tindall and Mia Tindall with Zara Tindall and Lena Tindall (front) attended last year’s Easter Mattins Service
The Prince of Wales is expected to return to public duties after his children return to school after the Easter holidays, but the family will not appear at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle for the Easter Sunday service.
Last year’s service was the first Easter Sunday service under Charles’ reign and the royal family were present in large numbers in the castle grounds, enjoying the bright spring sunshine before the morning service.
At the service, the Wales family was seen among a group of younger royals at the back of the large party walking down from the chapel where Queen Elizabeth was buried in September 2022.
The public and royal watchers are eager to know when the Princess of Wales will resume her official duties since undergoing surgery in January.
Her last official royal engagement was the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham on December 25.
In the video, Kate said: ‘My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able to, but for now I need to focus on making a full recovery.’
The Princess of Wales pictured during her last official royal engagement during the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham on December 25
Kate during her ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8
The Prince and Princess of Wales joined their children George, Louis and Charlotte for their first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire in September 2022
Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends the opening of Evelina London’s new pediatric surgery department on December 5
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: ‘The Princess will return to her official duties as soon as her medical team has cleared.
“She is in good spirits and focused on a full recovery.”
It is understood that Kate’s own views on whether she wants to attend events and whether she feels able to do so, along with medical advice, would be part of the decision-making process.
A Palace spokesperson said: ‘Their Royal Highnesses understand the interest this update will generate and are grateful for the public support they have received during this period.
“Kensington Palace will provide information when the time is right so that the Princess can resume her work and duties.
‘In the meantime, we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected.’
No running commentary on Kate’s health is expected as she needs the time, space and privacy to make a full recovery.
It is likely that Kensington Palace will only provide further updates on Kate’s plans to return to public events when the time is deemed appropriate.
It can also be expected that any first public events will not necessarily mean a return to a regular public program.
Kensington Palace has said that Kate underwent major abdominal surgery in January and that the operation was successful.
At the time of the surgery, the condition was not thought to be cancerous and no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer.
Post-operative tests revealed cancer and Kate has now started a course of preventive chemotherapy.
Kate’s battle with cancer in her own words: Full emotional video statement from the Princess of Wales
I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding while I was recovering from surgery.
It’s been an incredibly tough few months for our whole family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
In January I had major abdominal surgery in London and at the time my condition was deemed to be non-cancerous. The operation was successful. However, tests after the surgery revealed that cancer was present. My medical team therefore recommended that I undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
This obviously came as a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
As you can imagine, this has taken time. It took me time to recover from major surgery before I could start my treatment. But the most important thing is that it took us time to explain everything
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and to reassure them that I will be fine.
As I told them; I am doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.
It is also a great source of comfort and reassurance to have William by my side. As does the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means so much to both of us.
We hope you understand that we as a family now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. 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.
At this time I also think of all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. To anyone facing this disease in any form, please do not lose faith and hope. You are not alone.