The King made his inaugural major public appearance following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis in February.
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, 75-year-old Charles attended the Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Amid undergoing treatment, he has scaled back his public engagements, with sources from Buckingham Palace noting a positive response to treatment in recent weeks.
The service on Sunday featured notable differences, including a smaller gathering of members of the royal family compared to the traditional annual event. The absence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – who attended last year, was conspicuous.
This gathering occurred shortly after Kate, 42, disclosed in an emotional video message that she had commenced a course of preventative chemotherapy. The Wales family is spending the Easter break together as they navigate the Princess’ recent cancer diagnosis, discovered during post-operative examinations following significant abdominal surgery.
Additionally, Mike and Zara Tindall were notably absent, with Zara participating in an equestrian event at Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire.
The King was joined by his siblings and their respective partners, including the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
In a significant development, Sarah, Duchess of York, attended the service alongside her ex-husband, the Duke of York, marking their first joint appearance since their divorce in 1996.
Sarah and Andrew have maintained a cordial relationship since their separation in 1992 and continue to reside together at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The Duchess, who faced breast cancer last summer and was diagnosed with skin cancer this year, last participated in the Easter Sunday service in 1991, alongside her friend and sister-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales.
This follows Sarah’s reunion with the royals during the Christmas Day walk last year, marking her first appearance in over three decades.
