King Charles has stepped away from royal duties to focus on his battle with cancer following his diagnosis last month.
However, in a surprise twist, Buckingham Palace sources have told the Telegraph that the monarch now expects to be well enough to attend the traditional Easter service in Windsor next Sunday.
The news comes less than 24 hours after Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer herself. Following the release of the emotional video message, Princess Kate confirmed she would not be attending the service as usual.
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.”
One of the reasons behind Charles’ recent absence is due to the health risks associated with large crowds as a cancer patient.
Palace officials suggest that the service in St George’s Chapel is expected to be much smaller than normal, nicknaming it an ‘Easter Lite’ service.
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The 75-year-old monarch’s attendance of the Easter Sunday service would signal both “unity” and “stability” to the public, according to a royal source.
The source said: “The King has been keeping in touch with the Princess of Wales from the moment she was admitted to hospital in January and throughout her current cancer treatment.
“He is utterly determined to put on a show of unity for his family and reassure the public and wider world that the monarchy is stable, despite the current tumultuous period it is experiencing.
“The King is very much hoping he will be able to make the Easter church service but will of make a final decision on the day.”
Meanwhile, Kensington Palace has confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children will not attend next Sunday’s service.
The Princess of Wales made the decision to skip the event following the release of her emotional video message last night.
She is currently undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy treatment and has asked the public to respect her young family’s privacy.
