The first three months of 2024 have been challenging for the British Royal Family. Indeed, in January, it was revealed that both the monarch and the Princess of Wales had to undergo surgery. Those two announcements, made within two hours of each other, were followed by other worrying health announcements concerning senior members of The Firm.
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Beyond senior members, the family was rocked by Sarah Ferguson's diagnosis and the death of Thomas Kingston. The Firm was also shaken by some questionable PR which led to Kensington Palace no longer being a trustworthy source for the AFP (press agency).
All of this has weakened the image of the monarchy and it now seems crucial that they show unity and strength. Sources say that’s what King Charles has in mind with his new message. Let’s see what we can expect.
King Charles reportedly recorded a video message
This is an exclusive from Mirror which was published on 23 March 2024. According to the publication, they have spoken to ‘royal sources’ who confirm the monarch has ‘recorded a special Easter message’.
After months of anguish and continuous revelations, Mirror explains that this message will focus on ‘hope’. The tabloid continues to explain that this new video message will be broadcasted on Maundy Thursday (28 March) at Worcester Cathedral.
The message will substitute for the absence of King Charles at the event where only the Queen Consort will be present to lead the annual Royal Maundy Service where she will distribute gifts on behalf of the monarch.
King Charles confirms he will lead the family for Easter Service
In their piece from 23 March, the Mirror also spoke to royal sources who alleged that the King was ‘hoping to make’ the trip to St George’s Chapel in Windsor for this weekend's Easter Sunday Service.
At the time, the royal source explained:
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 make a final decision on the day.
On 26 March, it was announced by Buckingham Palace that King Charles will indeed be attending Easter Sunday Service. The statement read:
Their Majesties the King and Queen, accompanied by other members of the Royal family, will attend the Easter Matins Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Easter Sunday
According to The Telegraph, his attendance is considered his 'most significant appearance' since his health issues have been made public.
However, though the King wishes to show ‘unity’ it is understood by us and by Hello! that the Waleses will not be attending this year’s Easter Sunday Service. Indeed, back in January, it was announced by Kensington Palace that the Princess of Wales would not be returning to royal duties until after Easter. That being said, there is a chance that Prince William will attend but so far, no further announcements have been made.
The Royal Family’s Easter traditions
Easter is a special holiday for the British Royal Family. Every year, they follow a list of traditions which involve both family time and giving back to the public.
For instance, after attending Easter Sunday Service at St George’s Chapel, the family is believed to gather at Windsor Castle for lunch. Moreover, it is believed that there could be an Easter egg hunt though this was never confirmed.
The Tatler reports that in 2016, the Princess of Wales said in an interview that Queen Elizabeth would always have ‘a little gift or something’ in her great-grandchildren’s rooms.
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Sources:
Mirror: King Charles to lead royals on Easter Sunday in huge show of support for Kate Middleton
Hello!: The Wales family will not attend Easter church service after Princess Kate's latest health update
Tatler: The Royal Family’s touching Easter traditions revealed
The Telegraph: King will attend Easter service at Windsor, Buckingham Palace confirms
