For the second consecutive year, Prince William and Kate Middleton have opted out of the traditional Easter Sunday service in Windsor. Instead, the Prince and Princess of Wales chose to spend the Easter weekend privately with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—at their countryside residence in Norfolk.
While their absence sparked public speculation, royal experts have clarified that this was not a snub to the monarchy. The decision was reportedly made with the full approval of King Charles, who himself led the Easter service alongside Queen Camilla in Windsor. Among the other royals present were Prince Andrew, his former wife Sarah Ferguson, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Royal correspondent Charles Rae explained that the couple’s choice reflected their prioritization of family, especially following Kate’s recent cancer diagnosis. “They’ve had the King’s permission, so it’s not as if it’s a snub or anything like that,” Rae told GB News. “It’s all above board. This was about spending valuable time with their children before they return to school.”
According to Rae, the Waleses are also hosting a private Easter egg hunt at their Anmer Hall estate, adding to the family-centered celebration. “It’s all devoted to the children, as it should be with Easter,” he said.
He emphasized that Prince William, often described as a “family man,” is helping shape a more modern version of the monarchy. “William is very much his own man, and together with Catherine, they devote as much spare time as they can to their children. That’s quite right, and I don’t think anybody could criticise them for that.”
The couple, Rae added, remains committed to their royal duties and will be seen again at future royal events. But their current approach signals a shift in how the younger generation of royals balances tradition with family life.