As Easter approaches, speculation is mounting regarding the potential attendance of the Prince and Princess of Wales at this year’s festivities. Traditionally, the royal family gathers to celebrate the occasion with a church service, and this year, King Charles and Queen Camilla are confirmed to attend the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel, located within the grounds of Windsor Castle, on Sunday, April 5.
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While it has not been officially confirmed, it is widely anticipated that Prince William and Kate Middleton will join their relatives for the holiday celebrations, likely accompanied by their three children: Prince George, aged 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. The younger two children participated in the family tradition of attending the Easter service for the first time in recent years, with George and Charlotte making their debut in 2022 and Louis following suit in 2023.
Prince William, who has attended the Easter church gathering since his childhood, often remembers this occasion fondly as a time spent with his mother, Princess Diana, and his brother, Prince Harry. Similarly, since marrying into the royal family in April 2011, Princess Kate has become a regular attendee at this annual event. However, the couple has chosen to celebrate Easter privately with their children over the past two years, marking a departure from long-standing royal tradition.
Notably, the private celebrations in the previous years were influenced by challenging circumstances. In 2024, the family opted out of the Easter outing due to Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis, which she shared publicly shortly before the holiday. Following a year of treatment, she announced in January 2025 that her cancer was in remission, allowing for hope for future family occasions.
During their secluded Easter celebrations in 2023, the Prince and Princess of Wales spent the holiday over 100 miles away from Windsor, retreating to their country home in Norfolk, Anmer Hall. This picturesque estate is a favourite getaway when school is out, allowing the family to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere away from public scrutiny.
The children’s Easter celebrations have not gone without traditional merriment; William and Kate have previously shared insights into their family’s customs during this season. They have included activities such as Easter egg hunts and indulging in a variety of sweets. During a virtual engagement in 2020 for Easter amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, William humorously reassured viewers, saying, “There will be a lot of chocolate being eaten here, don’t worry!” to which Kate playfully responded, “You keep eating it!”
As the royal family prepares for Easter, their celebrations will begin on Thursday with the Royal Maundy Service. This historic ceremony involves the distribution of “Maundy Money” to individuals over the age of 70 who have made notable contributions to their communities. The tradition dates back to 600 A.D. and is a significant event in the royal calendar. This year, 77 men and 77 women will receive Maundy coins from King Charles, aligning with his age, highlighting a commitment to honouring those who exemplify service and goodwill.
The Royal Maundy Service is set to take place at St. Asaph Cathedral in Wales, marking a momentous occasion as it is the first time since 1982 that the service has been held in Wales, adding a special significance to the historic event.
As Easter Sunday approaches, all eyes will be on the royal family’s movements and whether the Prince and Princess of Wales will decide to join their relatives in what many consider a cherished family tradition. It remains to be seen if they will maintain their recent choice of private celebration or embrace the royal gathering this year. The public eagerly awaits updates from the palace as they look forward to the age-old customs and the joyous spirit of the holiday season.