KING Charles will address the nation tomorrow, just days after Kate Middleton’s cancer announcement.
It has been confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with other members of the Royal Family, will attend the Easter Mattins Service at St. George’s Chapel on Sunday.
However, it was believed that the Princess of Wales, along with husband Prince William and their three kids – George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis– won’t attend the service at Windsor Castle.
Kate revealed in a video message last week that she is undergoing cancer treatment. She has been absent from public life since January, when she was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery.
Charles, 75, who is also battling cancer, is said to want to reassure the public that, amid the testing times for the Royals, the monarchy remains strong.
As a result, he is understood to have recorded a special Easter message that will be broadcast tomorrow, on Maundy Thursday.
A palace source told The Telegraph: “The King and Queen are hoping to attend some form of Easter service in Windsor.
“However, it will not be the large family gathering that we might expect to see in different circumstances.”
It comes after we previously reported the ‘big change’ that Charles is set to make to his Easter appearance.
According to HELLO!‘s Online Royal Correspondent, Danielle Stacey: “Charles has minimised his contact with larger crowds to reduce risks as he continues his cancer treatment.”
As well as this, royal author Phil Dampier exclusively told Fabulous: “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.”
Ahead of Sunday’s celebrations, Queen Camilla will lead the family at the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral.
She will distribute gifts on behalf of the King – a tradition which is thought to date back to the 13th century.
Kate’s diagnosis is the second cancer shock to hit the royal family in as many months after King Charles revealed he was also undergoing treatment.
He praised Kate for her “courage” in a statement from Buckingham Palace.
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
The “proud” King also remains in close contact with his “beloved daughter-in-law” and that both he and Camilla will “continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”
Kate said the family now needs “time, space and privacy” while she completes her treatment.
She will not be returning to public duties for the foreseeable future.
The princess added: “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 lives affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease in whatever form please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
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.
Following the outpouring of support for Kate, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.
“They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”
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