IT has been confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla will join other members of the Royal Family for this year’s Easter service.
It comes just a few days after it was believed that the Prince and Princess of Wales won’t attend the event at Windsor Castle on Sunday.
But according to royal author Phil Dampier, Easter will still be a very “difficult” time for King Charles, for a variety of heartbreaking reasons.
Not only due to Kate’s absence, but it is also the death anniversary of his father Prince Philip, as well as his grandmother the Queen mother.
Phil told Fabulous: “It’s great news that the King is well enough to accompany the Queen and other members of the Royal Family to the service at Windsor on Easter Sunday.
“But it will be a poignant day and holiday period for him as he reflects on Easters past.”
REMEMBERING HIS BELOVED FATHER
According to Phil: “His beloved father Prince Philip died three years ago on Easter Sunday aged 99, just two months short of his 100th birthday.
“Charles had planned a birthday party for him but he told him, ‘I’d still have to be here wouldn’t I?’ Charles replied, ‘I knew you’d say that.’
“For long periods of his life the pair were not close but in later years the bond between them was very strong and the King grew to love and respect his father much more.”
Prince Philip died on the morning of April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle.
The Duke’s cause of death was officially classed as old age.
The veteran royal spent his longest ever stint in hospital prior to his death.
His funeral took place on Saturday 17 April at Windsor Castle with the sombre Queen sitting alone as the family complied with the Covid regulations of the time.
THE QUEEN MOTHER’S SAD PASSING
The Queen Mother was the late Queen Elizabeth’s mum and a much-loved national treasure.
She died on March 30, 2002, and her younger daughter, Princess Margaret, had passed away just seven weeks earlier.
The Queen Mother, who Charles called “the most magical grandmother you could possibly have,” had been suffering from a cold for the previous four months.
The cause of death officially noted on her death certificate, however, was “extreme old age”.
At 101 years and 238 days old, she was the longest-living member of the royal family in British history.
Phil commented: “I’m sure the King misses his father and of course his mother The Queen and grandmother the Queen Mum.
“They are all buried together in St George’s Chapel and I’m sure he and Camilla will be thinking of them and probably visit their graves.
“The Queen Mum died on Good Friday of Easter 2002 so there is another anniversary there.”
KATE’S ABSENCE AND CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Princess Kate is bravely battling cancer having revealed she is undergoing treatment.
The royal, 42, has remained absent from any official duties following abdominal surgery in January and will not be attending this Sunday’s Easter service.
As a result, Phil explained: “With the Prince and Princess of Wales absent, and doubtless their children as well, the King will be thinking of them in particular and of course Kate, who he has supported as they both fight cancer.
“They have reportedly grown a lot closer because of their shared plight and he will be looking forward to future Easters when they are both well again.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
MARCH 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
MARCH 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
MARCH 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
MARCH 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
MARCH 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
“Other members of the family will be delighted to see the King but they will probably have to cut down on the hugs and kisses so that he doesn’t catch any infections.
“It will be a reflective time for all and it reminds us that the royals are human like the rest of us.”
MISSING THE LATE QUEEN
And of course, Easter without his mother is sure to be challenging enough for the monarch.
As a monarch who took pride in her faith, it is no surprise that Easter was one of the late Queen Elizabeth’s favourite times of the year.
It always marked a time when most of her family members would gather to spend quality time together and reflect on the traditional meaning of the holiday.
And Phil revealed that late Queen’s coping mechanism will undoubtedly be used by Charles to draw strength this weekend.
How other royals have also been rocked by health battles this year
THE past few months have seen members of the royal family struck down by various health battles. Here is a rundown:
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery.JAN 17: It is announced that the King is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside.JAN 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen.
JAN 21: It is announced Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a skin cancer.
JAN 23: Kate’s hospital stay passes one week. JAN 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment.
JAN 29: The King is discharged from hospital. Kate leaves the same day.
JAN 31: Queen Camilla announces that the King is “getting on, doing his best”.
FEBRUARY 5: Buckingham Palace announces the King has cancer, but not of the prostate, and will not carry out public-facing duties.FEB 18: The King appears in good spirits as he attends a Sunday church service in the grounds of Sandringham.FEB 23: The King filmed crying and chuckling while opening some of the 7,000 cards from well-wishers.
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health.
MARCH 4: Kate Middleton pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate.
Phil concluded: “Easter at Windsor was always a big tradition for the late Queen and she took the religious element very seriously but also loved seeing many members of her family.
“The late Queen Elizabeth’s deep Christian faith got her through a lot of difficult times and I’m sure Charles will also draw strength from seeing his family and worshipping at the chapel.”
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