Royal Family Presents United Front at Windsor Easter Sunday Service
The British Royal Family gathered at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Sunday, April 5, 2026, for the traditional Easter Sunday service. The event served as a significant public appearance, marking both a heartfelt return for the Princess of Wales and a visible shift in the family’s internal dynamics following recent legal scandals.
The Return of Catherine, Princess of Wales
One of the most poignant moments of the morning was the appearance of Catherine, Princess of Wales. This marked the first time the Princess has attended the traditional Easter service in several years, as she had been absent for the past two years while undergoing cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales led the procession into the chapel alongside the Prince of Wales and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Onlookers cheered as the family arrived, with Princess Charlotte waving to the crowds gathered behind barriers.
A Family Divided: Notable Absences
While the event was designed to project a “united front,” the absence of several key family members highlighted ongoing tensions. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, were both absent from the service. This is a stark contrast to last year, when both attended the event.
The absence follows the King’s decision to strip Andrew of his dukedom and his right to be a prince due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew was arrested in February on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, stemming from allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also missed the service, having reportedly made “alternative plans” for the holiday.
Other absences included the Duchess of Edinburgh, who royal insiders stated was unable to attend because she was “under the weather.” Her husband, Prince Edward, and their son, James, Earl of Wessex, were in attendance.
Key Attendees and Heartwarming Moments
Beyond the immediate nuclear family, the service saw a gathering of senior royals and extended family members:
- King Charles and Queen Camilla: The couple arrived by car, with the King waving to well-wishers.
- Princess Anne: Attended alongside her husband, Sir Tim Laurence.
- Peter Phillips: Attended with his fiancé, Harriet Sperling, and daughters Savannah and Isla. In a sign of a “blended royal family,” Ms. Sperling’s 15-year-traditional daughter, Georgina, also attended.
The day was marked by a sweet interaction between the monarch and his grandson; King Charles was caught on camera softly touching Prince Louis’s cheek before entering the chapel.
Royal Easter Fashion
The royal ensemble for the day balanced tradition with understated elegance:
- Princess Catherine: Wore an off-white ensemble consisting of a skirt, a smart jacket, and a leafy hat.
- Queen Camilla: Opted for a red wool dress and coat by Fiona Clare, paired with a Phillip Treacy hat and a brooch that previously belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
- The Wales Family: Princess Charlotte wore a tan coat, while Prince William and the boys wore dark blue suits and ties.
Key Takeaways: Easter Sunday 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Return | Princess Catherine attends for the first time in years after cancer treatment. |
| Major Absence | Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (following February arrest and loss of titles). |
| Location | St George’s Chapel, Windsor. |
| Key Interaction | King Charles sharing a tender moment with Prince Louis. |
While the King did not issue a formal Easter message this year, the event followed his recent attendance at the traditional Maundy service in Denbighshire, Wales, where he recognized 154 individuals for outstanding Christian service. The Windsor service concludes a weekend focused on family and tradition amidst a period of significant transition for the monarchy.