King Charles is said to be “turning the dial” to resume his ordinary royal duties as he will attend the Easter service on Sunday, 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 attendance at the service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, is a “sign that things are going in the right direction”.
Charles and Queen Camilla will attend the Easter Matins Service, as it is officially known, which will last one hour, from 10:45 to 11:45, according to the chapel.
The service will be preceded by Holy Communion from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. There will also be said Eucharist from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m., and then Vespers 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 which was played at the Royal Holy Service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday.
2023: King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Princess Anne and Prince Andrew as they attend the Mattins Easter service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 9 last year.
His aides have reportedly said that Her Majesty’s attendance at any event is “to be expected and planned for rather than assumed”, as he continues to focus on his health.
The King has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February after having 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 receiving preventive chemotherapy.
William and Kate will not attend the service, which is unlikely to be a large family gathering or service while Charles has suspended his public-facing royal duties.
William will return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter holidays.
For now, he will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since his operation in January.
2023 — The Prince and Princess of Wales with George, Charlotte and Louis at the Mattins Easter Service at St George’s Chapel on April 9, 2023
2022 — Prince William and Kate with Prince George and Princess Charlotte attend the Easter Mattins Service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2022.
2019 — Members of the Royal Family, including Prince Harry, Kate and William, watch as Queen Elizabeth II arrives for the Mattins Easter Service at St. George’s Chapel on April 21, 2019.
It is not known how long Kate will receive treatment, but it is understood that she may be willing to attend events when she feels able to do so, in accordance with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.
Charles’ engagement on Easter Sunday will be seen as an attempt by the King to reassure the public following the shocking news.
The king is still undergoing cancer treatment but has been carrying out discreet official duties behind the palace walls.
Although the Easter service takes place within the castle grounds, the King and Queen will be seen arriving, and are often watched by staff living at Windsor, who usually gather on a nearby grass bench or watch from their gates .
Last year’s service saw the King and Queen attend along with Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Sofia and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
