What Were the Changes in This Year’s Easter Service?
This year, the Easter service at St. George’s Chapel looked quite different from previous years. Usually, Easter is a time when the whole Royal Family gathers at Windsor Castle. They attend the church service together and then enjoy a family lunch.
However, this year saw a significant scale-back of these traditions. They adopted an approach some have described as “Easter Lite.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla leading the rest of the royal family during last year’s Easter service on April 9, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
King Charles and Queen Camilla usually arrive with the family and walk into the chapel together. This time, the two of them came by car alone. This was different from the usual group walk into the chapel that people expected to see.
King Charles and Queen Camilla attending the traditional Easter Sunday Matins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Also, the King did not host the usual lunch after the service this year. Normally, the family has lunch together privately after the public service. Skipping this lunch was a break from tradition.
Members of the royal family at last year’s Easter service in Windsor Castle on April 9, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
A palace source said the King’s planned attendance was a “sign of things heading the right direction.” It shows a careful move back to normal.
Sources close to the palace say the plans are about slowly getting back to the King’s usual schedule. This includes hosting more guests at the palace as summer comes.
King Charles and Queen Camilla greeting spectators outside St. George’s Chapel in Windsor on March 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
Despite these changes, King Charles took a moment to greet the public outside the church. He maintained a connection with those who came to see him.
How Was This Year’s Service Reminiscent of the Queen?
One significant change that stood out that day was about King Charles. He was seated separately from the rest of the Royal Family.
Royal Broadcaster Rafe Heydel-Makoo highlighted this during an interview with “GB News.” He noted that the scene of King Charles and Queen Camilla sitting separately during the service “does remind us of the queen in that very same building for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”
Queen Elizabeth II sitting alone inside St. George’s Chapel during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on April 17, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
During Prince Philip’s funeral service, the world saw Queen Elizabeth II seated alone. She was adhering to social distancing protocols amidst the pandemic. The image of the solitary monarch left a lasting impression on the public as she set an example during challenging times.
Queen Elizabeth II watches as pallbearers carry the coffin of Prince Philip into St George’s Chapel during the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
As King Charles sat alone during the Easter service, many people were asking why. This question makes us think more about what the changes to this year’s Easter service mean.
King Charles and Queen Camilla attending the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor on March 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Why Did King Charles Sit Apart from the Royal Family During the Easter Service?
Sources reveal that the decision to seat King Charles away from the rest of the family was to ensure his safety during his ongoing cancer treatment.
The King sat at the front of the altar in the chapel, in the Sovereign’s Seat. This spot kept him important in the service but showed he needed to care for his health.
Following medical advice, the Royal Family limited their numbers at St. George’s Chapel to reduce any infection risks for the King. This year, the gathering was notably smaller. It was not only to protect King Charles but also because the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children were absent.
Prince William and Princess Catherine with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis during last year’s Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle on April 9, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
King Charles’ recent health diagnosis has also forced him to scale back on his engagements. This includes this year’s Royal Maundy Service, which Queen Camilla attended on his behalf.
Despite his health challenges, he has not stopped sharing messages that uplift and motivate others. This leads us to a powerful moment recently.
King Charles waving at the crowd alongside Queen Camilla as they attend the Easter Sunday service in ST. George’s Chapel on March 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
What Was King Charles’ Recent Message of Empowerment?
King Charles was unable to attend the Royal Maundy Service in person. However, he shared a heartfelt message that was played at Worcester Cathedral. He spoke about the importance of service to others. This echoed the commitment he made during his Coronation Service.
King Charles III sitting on his throne wearing St. Edward’s crown during his Coronation ceremony inside Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In his message, the King emphasized, “This act of worship, here in Worcester Cathedral, reminds me of the pledge I made at the beginning of the Coronation Service – to follow Christ’s example ‘not to be served but to serve’. That I have always tried to do and continue to do, with my whole heart.”
He further expressed his hopes for the future. He stated, “It is my special prayer today that Our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities.”
While King Charles focused on recovery, Queen Camilla stepped in to represent him at the service. She distributed Maundy money to pensioners for the first time.
Queen Camilla during the festivities celebrating Maundy Thursday 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
Her recent solo engagements, including visits to the Isle of Man and Belfast, have shown her continued support for the King’s commitments even during his treatment.
The Queen has been warmly welcomed by the public on these occasions. Many expressed their best wishes for the King, whose recent Easter appearance also drew mixed reactions from the public.
How Did People React to King Charles’ Easter Appearance?
After King Charles appeared at the Easter service, many people went online to share their thoughts and prayers for him.
On Instagram, under a slideshow of photos of the royal family at the service, fans left messages like “God save the King!” and “In my prayers.”
Meanwhile, some people expressed concern about the King shaking hands with others. They wondered if it was safe for him because of his health treatment.
Comments ranged from “Bet he was not meant to do this walkabout and shake hands. His doctors will not be pleased” to “He looks very unwell.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla greeting people after attending the Easter Matins Service on March 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Others added, “So should he have gone and shaken hands with loads of strangers…” and some replied, “I’m sure he is taking his doctors’ advice and they did not see an issue..”
People also expressed concern over what exactly the King was being protected from. Some suggested his immune system might be weak.
King Charles shaking hands with his young well-wishers as he leaves St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, on March 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One wrote, “Gosh, what infection exactly are they trying to protect him from?” Another advised, “He should watch or be isolated away from the people so he doesn’t get sick.”
King Charles greeting well-wishers as he leaves St. George’s Chapel after attending the Easter Matins Service on March 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite these worries, comments such as “Looking tired but that is to be expected while undergoing cancer treatment. Lovely to see his smile and wish him well in his recovery” showed a mix of concern and support.
Amid the public perception surrounding King Charles, one royal family member, the King’s nephew, recently opened up about his health. He gave a closer look at how the reigning monarch is actually dealing with getting better.
King Charles attending the Easter Sunday Service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, on March 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
What Did King Charles’ Nephew Say about His Health?
Peter Philips, King Charles’s nephew, shared insights into the King’s current health situation. He said the King’s recovery from cancer is taking a bit longer than expected, but he’s staying positive. Peter is the son of Princess Anne and was speaking during a visit to Australia.
Then Prince Charles and Peter Philips at the Gigaset Charity Polo Match at the Beaufort Polo Club on June 14, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
“He’s in good spirits,” Philips said about the King. He emphasized the King’s “pragmatic” approach to his situation—he’s eager to get back to his duties, but he understands he needs to focus on his health right now.
King Charles appearing smiling as he arrives for the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Philips acknowledged the King’s frustrations with the limitations his health had imposed. “I think, ultimately, he’s hugely frustrated. He’s frustrated that he can’t get on and do everything that he wants to be able to do,” he said.
King Charles leaving the Easter Matins service on March 31, 2024 | Source” Getty Images
Philips also revealed that King Charles and Queen Camilla are looking forward to their trips abroad again. They are especially excited to visit Australia once the King’s health is better.
King Charles and Queen Camilla during their last visit to Australia, posing on Broadbeach on April 5, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
After being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, King Charles has been careful about his public engagements. He is closely following his doctors’ advice. His participation in future events remains hopeful yet uncertain, as he prioritizes his health.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Sunday service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene on February 11, 2024 in Sandringham, England, | Source: Getty Images
What Are the Plans for King Charles’s Royal Duties Going Forward?
As King Charles gradually returns to his royal duties after his cancer treatment, there are some significant events on the horizon for him. This includes the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6.
The King and the Prince of Wales plan to be at the ceremonies honoring the British veterans. Other senior family members will be there too, to mark this important history.
King Charles and Prince William attending the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 12, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Looking ahead, the King is focusing on “building back” to his key roles and is starting to plan for in-person events once he gets the OK from his doctors.
Recently, he hosted a big meeting at Buckingham Palace with religious leaders from different faiths. This was his largest work event since he found out he had cancer.
People who help the King plan his schedule say we shouldn’t just expect him to be at every event. How he’s feeling and his health will decide what he can attend.
His diary now has two big events coming up. The first is the Trooping the Colour on June 15, a celebration of his official birthday. The second is the D-Day commemoration.
Prince Charles surrounded by members of the royal family at the balcony of Buckinham Palace during last year’s celebratiion of His Majesty’s first official brithday as King on June 17, 2023 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
The full details of the D-Day event are still being worked out. It will include a special ceremony at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, which the King talked about in a video back in 2021. That year, veterans couldn’t go to Normandy because of the pandemic.
This year’s D-Day anniversary is seen as a crucial chance to honor the veterans while they are still around. It’s not clear yet if the King will go to France for this, as it will depend on how he’s feeling and any concerns about getting sick.
