A sea of well-wishers gathered to greet the king – from afar – in his first official public appearance since his cancer diagnosis in Windsor this morning.
And a small number of them were lucky enough to attend the Easter service alongside the royal family; the service was free and open to the faithful.
On the strict advice of a doctor, King Charles and Queen Camilla were seated slightly apart from the rest of the the royal family and the wider congregation.
The royals, led by Prince Andrew, took their seats in an area away from the monarch, while members of the public filled the rest of the seats in the royal church.
The King and Queen greet their arrival at St George’s Chapel in Windsor earlier today; They were seated away from members of the public, who are allowed to attend the service, inside the historic church
Royal well-wishers seen outside Windsor Castle this morning to greet the King and Queen Camilla
The Very Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Dean of Windsor, took part in today’s service at the historic Royal Church.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived promptly at Bentley State this morning – with great care taken in seating arrangements to ensure the monarch’s safety during his cancer treatment.
The king was driven to the door of Windsor Church in his maroon limousine.
Once inside, he was seated far enough from others to protect him from infections during his cancer treatment.
The 75-year-old was in good spirits this morning, smiling and waving to well-wishers as he arrived in his maroon Bentley limousine for the service which was being held at St George’s Chapel.
Charles and Queen Camilla attended the Easter Matins service – as it is officially called – from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., depending on the chapel.
The first royal appearance since the king began receiving cancer treatment marked a “soft” return to the public stage, insiders told the Sunday Express.
The king’s presence at the service in St George’s Chapel, Windsor, is a “sign that things are going in the right direction”, a palace source told the Telegraph.
The king points out that when he arrived at St George’s Chapel in Windsor this morning, they were led to a side door of the church to avoid too much mixing – after doctors advised Charles against attending any large gatherings.
It comes a week after the monarch’s daughter-in-law Kate revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
William and Kate will not attend the service, which is unlikely to be a large family reunion or service as Charles has suspended his royal duties to the public.
Instead, Prince Andrew will lead the procession of the remaining royals as they arrive at the chapel.
This follows royal protocol – although Prince Edward has been designated as the figurehead for Charles’ treatment.
The service will be preceded by Holy Communion from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
There will also be a so-called Eucharist from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., then an evening song from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The Sunday Express reports that neither the King nor Queen will attend a reception or host a private family lunch after the service, as per their doctors’ orders.
Aides reportedly said His Majesty’s participation in any events was “to be hoped 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 undergoing an operation for an enlarged prostate at the London Clinic.
King Charles III during the recording of the King’s audio message which was broadcast at the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday.
On Thursday, King Charles addressed the congregation at Worcester Cathedral for the Maundy Thursday service, which the monarch usually attends, in a pre-recorded video speech.
Queen Camilla was present on his behalf to perform the Sacred ritual – usually conducted by the monarch – consisting of distributing specially minted coins to 75 men and 75 women, the number reflecting the age of the king.
Bishop John Inge then gave a blessing to the king in which he said he hoped Camilla would “convey our love and respects to him.”
In Charles’ speech, there was no mention of family health issues – his own cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as those of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales.
Instead, the king emphasized the importance of acts of friendship “especially in times of need” in his personal Easter message.
He explained how Jesus Christ set “the example of how we are to serve and care for one another,” and how, as a nation, “we greatly need and benefit greatly from those who serve us extend the hand of friendship, especially in times of need.” .
Although the king did not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law’s health, his words will be interpreted as a reflection on the nation’s response to his and Kate’s challenges as they continue their cancer treatment.