King Charles III reappears in public at Easter Sunday service

It was a delicately planned moment aimed at overcoming weeks of instability and the British monarchy’s crisis of credibility. King Charles III — who is suffering from cancer and still undergoing treatment — attended an Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel, on the grounds of Windsor Castle. It was the first time in a long time that the monarch has taken part at a public event in person, although Buckingham Palace has been releasing a constant flow of photos, videos and audio messages since his illness was announced in early February, in a bid to make it clear that the king had not abandoned his state duties.

Accompanied by Queen Consort, Camilla, Charles III was driven to the chapel by an official vehicle. Traditionally, the royal family makes the short journey between the castle premises and the religious grounds on foot, which takes no more than four minutes. But doctors recommended the monarch restrict his public outdoor activity and his contact with other people as much as possible during treatment, to avoid possible infections. In fact, as his communications team advanced, the king sat apart from the rest of his entourage during the religious service in St. George’s.

Upon arrival, dressed in a navy blue overcoat, Charles III wanted to smile and greet the dozens of curious onlookers gathered a few meters away, in Windsor. And it was at the end of the religious service when the monarch decided to approach them to shake several hands and chat with the crowd. He made his way along a rope line, and posed for photos with members of the public, who had been waiting since early in the morning. The gesture was interpreted by many as an attempt to recover some semblance of normality in the king’s activity.

Kate Middleton's absence

Unlike other years, Prince William and Catherine (Kate Middleton), Princess of Wales, did not attend the Easter service at the chapel. Catherine announced 10 days ago, in a video message, that she also has cancer and was undergoing “preventive chemotherapy” treatment. This video put an end to the wave of speculation and conspiracy theories about her whereabouts and state of health on social media and in some media outlets.

The drastic reduction in the number of active members of the royal family has meant that the king’s brother, Prince Andrew — socially ostracized for his controversial relationship with American billionaire and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — has been able to boost his presence on the front line of royal events. On Sunday, he was clearly seen at the Easter service, as Charles III sought to send a message to the country about his increasing strength.

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