British Royals Attend Easter Service Amid Absence of Andrew and Family

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Sunday. They were joined by their eldest son, Prince William, and his wife Catherine. Their three children also attended.

Windsor gathering

The Dean of Windsor, Christopher Cocksworth, greeted the royal party on arrival. Camilla wore a red hat and coat and was given a posy of flowers. Prince Edward and Princess Anne also attended.

After the service, Charles and Camilla wished members of the public “Happy Easter”. The Easter Matins service is a key date in the royal calendar. The monarch serves as supreme governor of the Church of England.

Absences and controversy

Not all senior royals were present. Prince Andrew was absent after his arrest in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He had attended last year’s Easter with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie did not attend. A royal source said their choice to miss was personal, not the king’s. British royals gathered for the Easter service despite the absence of Andrew and family.

King Charles did not deliver an Easter message this year. On Saturday, the family of Virginia Giuffre urged him to meet survivors during his U.S. state visit.

They said the trip coincided with the anniversary of her death. Giuffre accused the late financier Jeffrey Epstein of trafficking her to Andrew when she was 17.

Andrew denies the claims and says he has no recollection of meeting her. He reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022, without admitting wrongdoing.

Church developments

Separately, Sarah Mullally delivered the first Easter sermon at Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday. She is the first woman to lead the Church of England. Her sermon marked a milestone for the church.

Reporting for Filmogaz.com. Photos via Reuters.