On Sunday, King Charles and senior members of the British royal family gathered at Windsor Castle for their traditional Easter service. This was the first such event
since Charles ascended to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The king was joined by his wife Camilla, the queen consort, and their extended family, including Prince William, his wife Kate, and their three children.
The group walked from the castle to nearby St George's Chapel, where they attended the service. Among those in attendance was Prince Andrew, the king's younger brother, who had been removed from royal duties in the wake of a US sex abuse lawsuit settlement.
The Easter service is one of the few events that bring all members of the royal family together in public. This year's service was particularly poignant, as it was the first since the queen's death and also marked the two-year anniversary of the passing of her husband, Prince Philip. Both are buried in the King George VI chapel at Windsor.
Additionally, the occasion marked the 18th wedding anniversary of Charles and his second wife, Camilla, who were married at Windsor Castle in 2005.
As king, Charles is the symbolic head of the Church of England and its Supreme Governor. However, there has reportedly been disagreement between the monarch and church leaders regarding the role of other faiths in his upcoming coronation on May 6. The Mail on Sunday reported that these discussions were delaying the release of the coronation's Order of Service, though both Buckingham Palace and the Church denied that there was any delay.
It remains to be seen how these discussions will be resolved, but Charles's coronation is sure to be a solemn and significant occasion. Regardless of the outcome, the Easter service at Windsor Castle was a reminder of the unity and tradition that the royal family represents. Photo by Sheri, Wikimedia commons.