Prince William and Kate Middleton Skip Royal Easter Service Amid Family Focus
Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, made headlines by opting out of the Royal Family's traditional Easter Sunday service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the second consecutive year. Instead, the couple chose to spend the holiday privately at their country residence, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, with their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
A Shift in Priorities
This decision marks a continuation of the couple's recent trend to prioritize family time over official royal engagements. In 2024, their absence was attributed to Kate's health concerns, as she had recently been diagnosed with cancer. However, with Kate now in remission, the choice to skip this year's Easter service has sparked discussions about the couple's evolving role within the royal family.
Inside the Royal Family’s Easter Gathering at Windsor
The British Royal Family has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Easter Sunday together with a formal service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. This yearly event brings together senior royals, serving as both a religious and symbolic occasion that showcases unity and tradition within the monarchy.
A Tradition Rooted in Faith and Royal Protocol:
Easter holds religious significance for the royal family, who are members of the Church of England. The monarch is also the Supreme Governor of the Church, making public observance of religious holidays a significant duty. Each year, the family attends Easter Sunday Service, often dressed in formal spring attire, followed by a private lunch inside the castle.
St. George’s Chapel is not just a historic royal church—it’s also the site of many important royal events, including weddings and funerals. Its location in Windsor, just outside of London, makes it a traditional backdrop for Easter gatherings.
Who Attended the 2025 Royal Easter Service?
This year, King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the service, despite the King’s ongoing recovery from cancer treatment. Their presence reassured the public that the monarchy remains strong and united, at least in official appearances.
Also in attendance were:
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Princess Anne (The King’s sister)
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Prince Edward (The King’s youngest brother)
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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh
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Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie
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Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, made a rare appearance that drew significant media attention due to his controversial status following legal issues tied to the Epstein scandal.
Public Reaction and Speculation
The couple's decision to skip the royal Easter service has elicited various reactions from the public and media. Some view it as a deliberate move to distance themselves from certain royal members, particularly Prince Andrew, whose presence at the event was met with mixed reactions. Others interpret the choice as a statement on the evolving nature of royal duties and the importance of family life.
Looking Ahead
As the Prince and Princess of Wales continue to navigate their roles within the royal family, their recent decisions suggest a potential shift towards a more modern approach to royal engagements. Whether this trend will continue remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly reflects the couple's commitment to balancing public responsibilities with personal priorities.