King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla led the royal family during the traditional Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on April 20, 2025. However, the occasion was marked by notable absences, particularly that of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who chose to spend the holiday with their children instead.
This year’s Easter service saw the presence of several royal family members, including Prince Andrew, who made a rare public appearance alongside King Charles and Camilla. The Duke of York, who has largely remained in the background due to controversies surrounding his past, was spotted entering the chapel, marking his first public event since last year's Easter service.
Notably absent were Prince William and Kate Middleton, who opted to celebrate the holiday at their home in Norfolk with their three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. A source close to the family revealed to the Daily Mirror that the couple decided to enjoy some quality family time during the Easter weekend, especially before the children returned to school.
This decision mirrors their absence from the previous year’s Easter service, which was influenced by Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis. In 2024, a few days before the Easter service, Kate had announced her health struggles, leading to her and William missing the family gathering.
While the royal couple celebrated Easter privately, other members of the royal family attended the service. Among them were Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice of York, along with their spouses, Jack Brooksbank and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, respectively. Additionally, Sophie Rhys-Jones, the Duchess of Edinburgh, was present, showcasing a united front for the family.
Despite his absence from the Easter service, Prince Andrew's attendance has sparked discussions about his potential return to royal duties. Royal expert Phil Dampier noted that Andrew's appearance at the service was a sign of family unity, suggesting that King Charles still cares for his brother and does not wish to ostracize him completely. Dampier stated, "He's not totally out in the cold, but I think it's too early to say it's any kind of comeback for him."
Andrew's public outings have been limited following his controversial interview with Newsnight in 2019, where he denied allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, a trafficking victim associated with Jeffrey Epstein. Although Andrew agreed to a multi-million pound settlement with Giuffre, he has always maintained his innocence. Recent developments regarding Giuffre's claims have led some to speculate about Andrew's future within the royal family.
On a lighter note, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York and Andrew's ex-wife, also attended the Easter service, marking her return after years away from such public events. Her presence, alongside Andrew, was a surprise to many royal watchers.
As the royal family gathered for the Easter service, King Charles had recently made headlines for his visit to Durham Cathedral for the Maundy Thursday service. During this visit, he engaged with royal watchers and shared a light-hearted moment with a woman who brought her corgi, named Lilibet, to meet him.
In his Easter message, King Charles reflected on the virtues of faith, hope, and love, emphasizing love as the greatest of these. He stated, "One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness. This paradox of human life runs through the Easter story and in the scenes that daily come before our eyes — at one moment, terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war-torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others."
As the royal family continues to navigate personal challenges and public scrutiny, the Easter service served as a reminder of the traditions that bind them together, even amid changing dynamics and family tensions. While the absence of William and Kate was felt, their decision to prioritize family during this significant holiday underscores the importance of unity and support during difficult times.
In the midst of these family dynamics, the royal family remains a focal point of public interest, with each event drawing attention to their evolving roles and relationships. As they move forward, the balance between tradition and modernity will continue to shape their public appearances and personal lives.
