News that King Charles is going to attend in person the Easter Sunday service has been described as “highly encouraging” in light of the monarch’s cancer treatment.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams noted how the monarch has very clearly remained at the helm of the Royal Family and the country despite his health setback and the unprecedented time in which the Firm is finding itself, as he continues to carry out his day-to-day duties as sovereign and to attend high-profile meetings.
Only in the past few weeks, he held a face-to-face encounter with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of the Budget, met UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and sat down with community faith leaders at Buckingham Palace.
The expert told Express.co.uk: “King Charles, who is continuing essential duties but unable to attend public engagements whilst undergoing treatment for cancer, has ensured that he has been seen as often as possible. This has meant that though there has obviously been some speculation as to what the future might hold, there has been continuity.”
The immediate future will see King Charles stepping out in public on Sunday alongside his beloved wife Queen Camilla.
As confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, the pair will lead a small group of royals to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where they will attend the Easter Mattins Service.
Marking the announcement, Mr Fitzwilliams said: “The news that he will be attending the Easter Sunday Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, together with Queen Camilla and other members of the Royal Family is highly encouraging.”
The fact the King has decided to make this appearance “is clearly proof of the reports that his treatment is going well”, the expert added.
He continued: “Needless to say, the workaholic monarch reportedly finds the restrictions on his activities extremely frustrating.
“His subjects, however, will be delighted that he will be attending and hope that the speculation that he might attend the Buckingham Palace garden parties in May and Royal Ascot in June proves accurate.
“His audio message will be delivered at Worcester Cathedral on Maundy Thursday, where he will be represented by the Queen. On Sunday he will seen in person and this will be broadcast worldwide. This is excellent news.”
As noted by Mr Fitzwilliams, it has been previously claimed His Majesty is planning to attend Royal Ascot, the Trooping the Colour parade and Buckingham Palace garden parties in the summer – although his presence will depend only on his health state closer to the time.
Given he is undergoing cancer treatment and avoiding large public-facing duties, it is likely some adjustments would need to be made in order for the monarch to attend these events.
King Charles shared his diagnosis with the public in early February, when Buckingham Palace announced diagnostic tests conducted following his hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement had identified a form of cancer.
The Palace also said: “He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
