As the Easter festivities approach, the Royal Family finds itself grappling with both celebration and health.
In the wake of Princess Kate’s recent cancer diagnosis, the spotlight falls on the upcoming Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor.
King Charles to attend Easter Sunday Mass
King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to grace the Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor.
This will be the monarch’s first official public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer last month.
The 75-year-old King had temporarily suspended all his public activities following the revelation of his illness, which was discovered during a prostate operation.
On January 17, Buckingham Palace issued a statement revealing that King Charles was “sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.”
At the time the palace assured that “His Majesty’s condition is benign” and that they would postpone his public engagements for a brief period.
Charles III was admitted to the London Clinic on January 26 for a “corrective procedure.”
Three days later, Charles left the hospital through the front door accompanied by Queen Camilla.
But a week later, Buckingham Palace issued another statement about King Charles’ health.
This time the statement surprised the world, the monarch had been diagnosed with cancer. However, the type of cancer was not revealed.
From that moment on the King postponed all his public events while he underwent treatment, but would continue to “undertake the business of state.”
Will Kate Middleton attend the Easter Sunday service?
Unfortunately, neither Kate nor William will be attending the service.
While the presence of the King and Queen is expected to be a reassuring sight for the nation, the absence of the Prince and Princess of Wales will be equally noteworthy.
In a candid video message released last week, Princess Kate disclosed her ongoing battle with cancer.
Revealing that she is currently undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy after tests detected the presence of cancer following her major abdominal surgery in January.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful.
However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.
As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.
My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” These were the statements made by the Princess of Wales on March 22.
The news of the Princess’s diagnosis has undoubtedly dealt a blow to the Family.
Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, opted to spend this Easter Sunday away from the public eye.
Although the absence of the Prince and Princess of Wales will be felt, their decision to focus on Kate’s healing journey is the best option.