King Charles made his first major public appearance since his cancer diagnosis at Windsor Castle’s annual Easter Sunday service.
At the age of 75, the king was seen smiling and waving to onlookers as he accompanied Queen Camilla to the Easter Mattins service held at St George’s Chapel.
The service was also attended by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with their son, James, along with Princess Anne and her spouse, Timothy Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of York.
The Princess of Wales and her family did not attend, as she is undergoing treatment for cancer.
During the Easter sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury extended his best wishes to both the king and Catherine, urging the attendees to keep them in their prayers as they undergo treatment.
Archbishop Justin Welby praised the royal family for their composure and selflessness, highlighting how it inspires others to act similarly.
He said, “In each of our lives, there are moments that change us forever—sometimes it is individual.”
“We have watched and sympathized with, and felt alongside, the dignity of the king and the Princess of Wales as they have talked about their cancer. In doing so, by their lack of selfishness, by their grace and their faith, they have boosted so many others.”
Just over a week has passed since Catherine shared a video announcing the start of her preventive chemotherapy treatment. The diagnosis was revealed following post-surgery tests after an abdominal operation in January.
Describing the diagnosis as a “huge shock” after a particularly challenging few months, Catherine expressed her steady recovery, feeling stronger each day.
The king’s cancer was identified during a treatment session for an enlarged prostate in January, with the public being notified in early February. The specific types of cancer for both the king and Catherine have not been disclosed.
The king has maintained his work schedule amidst his treatment, though his commitments have been conducted privately. He recently voiced profound disappointment at being unable to attend the Maundy Thursday service, which annually honors Jesus’s Last Supper.
In light of the decreased number of active senior royals, Camilla has stepped up to lead royal duties, representing the king at Thursday’s event.
Last year’s Easter Sunday service was Charles’s first as monarch.
Catherine, the Prince of Wales, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are spending the Easter break together, navigating through the recent health news and treatment process.
A representative from Kensington Palace mentioned that Catherine and William were deeply moved by the wave of supportive messages from within the UK, across the Commonwealth, and globally following her announcement.
It remains uncertain which members of the royal family will participate in upcoming official gatherings, such as the Trooping the Colour in June.
