King Charles attends Easter church service in first major public appearance since cancer diagnosis
King Charles III attends first public event since cancer diagnosis at Easter Sunday church service.
Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty Images
- King Charles made his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis last month.
- He attended the Easter Sunday service at `St. George's Chapel in Windsor.
- Prince William and Kate were not in attendance.
King Charles III has made his first public outing since his cancer diagnosis last month, attending the Easter Sunday church service in Windsor.
The King appeared to be in good spirits, waving at crowds as he walked into St. George's Chapel. He was accompanied by Queen Camilla, who has taken over some of the King's public engagements in recent weeks.
The King, 75, has continued some work since his diagnosis, but all engagements so far have taken place in private.
Although normally a grand affair, this year's service will be far quieter with fewer royals in attendance to minimize the King's contact with others during his treatment.
The King's siblings were the first family members to arrive. Prince Edward and Sophie — the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh — came with their son, James, Earl of Wessex. The King's sister, Princess Anne and her husband, Tim Laurence, as well as Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, were also in attendance.
It was unclear if Charles was planning to attend the standard post-service family lunch. In the days ahead, he and Camilla will take a break for Easter, say reports.
The King's attendance is nonetheless an encouraging sight for many royal watchers after he temporarily paused public engagements.
Earlier this week, the King, unable to attend the traditional Maundy Thursday service, had prerecorded a message which was played at the service at Worcester Cathedral.
Charles spoke of his "great sadness" at missing the service, which was instead attended by Queen Camilla.
The King added: "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."
Prince William and Kate and their three children were absent from the service. The Walses have asked for privacy since Kate revealed in a video announcement earlier this month that she was undergoing preventive treatment for cancer.
Neither the King's or Catherine's type of cancer has been revealed.