King Charles III attended an Easter service at Windsor Castle on Sunday, marking his most notable public appearance since being diagnosed last month. with an undisclosed form of cancer.
The visit could serve as a comforting precursor to the king’s eventual planned return to public duties from which he has been largely absent following his diagnosis and treatment.
The monarch greeted spectators cheerfully as he entered St George’s Chapel for a service expected to last around an hour. A member of the audience shouted “Happy Easter”, with Charles responding “And yours”. He joined the crowd after the service ended, addressing those gathered there and shaking their hands, reported the BBC, a partner network of CBS News.
Hollie Adams/Pool photo via AP
Charles attended Sunday’s service with Queen Camila and other members of the royal family. Her siblings, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of York and Princess Anne were all in attendance, as well as the Duchess of Edinburgh and their son James and Anne’s husband Sir Timothy Laurence, according to the BBC.
Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife who was diagnosed with skin cancer earlier this year, was also present.
But the service itself was smaller than usual. Catherine, Princess of Wales, known to the public as Kate Middleton, is also treated for cancer and said in a viral message video message announcing the news that she would do so in private. Princess Kate did not attend the Easter service, nor did her husband, William, Prince of Wales, or their three children.
The 75-year-old monarch’s appearance is seen as an effort to reassure the public after Charles withdrew from public duties in early February following an announcement from Buckingham Palace that he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.
The king continued to carry out his state duties, such as reviewing government documents and meeting with the prime minister. He was also seen attending a church service with Camilla in February, shortly after her cancer diagnosis was announced. But Charles’ presence at a traditional royal event as the Easter service is seen as a sign that he is beginning a controlled return to public life. British media reported last week that Charles would slowly increase his public appearances after Easter. He did not attend a church service until Easter, another traditional event known as Maundy Thursday, which Camilla attended in his place.
Hollie Adams/Pool photo via AP
It was originally the same date that Kensington Palace said Kate is reportedly returning to the public eye after recovering from major abdominal surgery in January. Kate’s shocking announcement that she too had cancer was made on March 22, after weeks of speculation about his health and whereabouts. The princess ended the video announcement by telling viewers that she would continue to take time and space to heal while she underwent preventative chemotherapy.
Charles’ enforced absence from public life was a setback for a man eager to put his stamp on the monarchy after waiting almost 74 years – longer than any previous heir – to become king.
When he succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles faced the daunting task of demonstrating that the 1,000-year-old monarchy remains relevant in a modern nation whose citizens come from all corners of the world. After less than two years on the throne, the king continues to define himself to the public as he tries to convince young people and members of minority communities that the royal family can represent them.
Although the duties of a constitutional monarch are largely ceremonial, the job of a royal can be exhausting.
As well as occasional processions in royal attire, meetings with political leaders, inauguration ceremonies and events honoring the achievements of British citizens. That’s 161 days of royal engagements during Charles’ first year on the throne.
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