Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is seen enjoying a solo carriage ride at Windsor Castle on Good Friday
After a busy schedule of public appearances in recent weeks, the Duchess of Edinburgh was seen enjoying one of her favorite activities at the start of the Easter weekend.
The 59-year-old royal, who is increasingly taking on public duties as King Charles and the Princess of Wales both undergo cancer treatment, was spotted this morning holding the reins of a single horse-drawn carriage in the grounds of Windsor Castle. .
With an assistant along for the ride, the Duchess looked good in the sport that her whole family enjoys, especially her 20-year-old daughter Lady Louise.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, accompanied by an assistant, was pictured at Windsor Castle on Friday taking a solo carriage ride
Edinburgh residents are experienced riders, with Sophie and Lady Louise, 20, particularly enjoying the rural pastime
Prince Edward’s wife wore a waxed riding coat as she rode along the Windsor path, with hopes of Easter sunshine chased away by gray clouds over Berkshire.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are likely to be among the few royals who will join the King and Queen at church in Windsor on Easter Sunday.
His Majesty will lead a smaller than normal family gathering for the Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel, given the absence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their families.
Last week, Princess Kate revealed that cancer had been discovered following her abdominal surgery in January and that she is currently undergoing chemotherapy..
In a pre-recorded speech to those attending the annual White Service on Thursday, King Charles emphasized the importance of extending a hand of friendship to those in need, as a new portrait (pictured) of the monarch was released.
Every Thursday before Easter Sunday, the sovereign distributes coins equivalent to their age to pensioners who have contributed to their church and community – this year Queen Camilla fulfilled this role on behalf of her husband
It will be the king’s most important public appearance since his cancer diagnosis in early February.
After being advised by doctors not to have public conversations with large numbers of people while they are undergoing treatment, His Majesty decided to record a special audio message to be played during the annual White Service on Thursday.
Held this year at Worcester Cathedral, it is one of the most important events in the royal calendar each year. It has great spiritual significance for Queen Elizabeth.
In his speech, King Charles emphasized the importance of extending the hand of friendship to others who are less fortunate.
His Majesty said during the service that the Lord Jesus has given us an ‘example of how we should serve and care for each other’.
Still at work: King Charles appeared cheerful and energetic on Wednesday as he continued his “business as usual” attitude amid his battle with cancer. Pictured: Charles meets Mohamed Nasheed, Secretary General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum
Kate Middleton, daughter-in-law of King Charles (pictured), is also battling cancer; his speech to Thursday’s annual Maundy Service urged people to ‘extend the hand of friendship to those in need’
He further emphasized how we as a nation “benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in times of need.”
A new portrait was released alongside the message, showing the king looking relaxed and cheerful, with a bouquet of spring flowers next to him, despite his personal ordeal.