The British royal family gathered for their annual Easter celebration with notable absences from several key members of the monarchy.

According to Fox News, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children missed the Easter service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the second consecutive year, opting to spend the holiday at their country residence in Norfolk.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, chose to celebrate Easter at Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate.

Their absence follows last year's missed celebration when Kate was undergoing cancer treatment, from which she has now recovered.

King Charles leads royal Easter procession amid family changes

King Charles III and Queen Camilla headed the royal gathering at St. George's Chapel, maintaining the monarchy's traditional Easter observance. The service marked a significant moment for the royal family as they continue to adapt to new dynamics within their ranks. Prince Andrew's presence at the ceremony drew particular attention, especially given his recent controversies and reduced role in royal duties.

The Duke of York's attendance came despite his diminished public profile following his connection to Jeffrey Epstein and subsequent legal troubles.

His appearance alongside the King and Queen Consort demonstrated the complex nature of family obligations versus public expectations. The Easter service provided a rare glimpse of Andrew in a formal royal setting since his step back from official duties in 2019.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, accompanied by their respective husbands, joined their father at the service. Sarah Ferguson, the Duke of York's former wife, also attended, presenting a united family front despite past controversies. Their presence highlighted the ongoing evolution of royal family dynamics and relationships.

Prince Andrew's controversial return to public eye

The Duke of York's participation in the Easter service follows a series of contentious events in recent months. His absence from the pre-Christmas lunch hosted by King Charles in December 2024 sparked significant discussion within royal circles.

The decision to skip that gathering came after revelations about his contact with an alleged Chinese spy emerged in the media.

Reports indicated that Sarah Ferguson played a crucial role in advising Andrew to avoid the Christmas celebration. Royal experts suggested this guidance stemmed from an understanding of public perception and social implications. The situation demonstrated the careful navigation required in managing royal appearances and relationships.

The settlement of Virginia Roberts Giuffre's lawsuit in 2022 marked a significant turning point in Andrew's public life. The agreement, while resolving the immediate legal challenge, led to the permanent removal of his military affiliations and royal patronages. These developments continue to influence his position within the royal family and public appearances.

Family dynamics shape modern monarchy

The absence of the Wales family from Easter service reflects the changing nature of royal traditions and family priorities.

Their decision to celebrate privately at Anmer Hall suggests a desire to maintain a sense of normalcy for their children while balancing royal obligations. This choice aligns with William and Kate's approach to modernizing royal family practices.

The contrast between the Wales family's private celebration and the formal Windsor service highlights the dual nature of royal life in contemporary Britain. While some members maintain traditional public appearances, others opt for more intimate family gatherings. This evolution in royal practices demonstrates the monarchy's adaptation to changing times and expectations.

The decisions made by various family members regarding public appearances and private celebrations continue to shape public perception of the monarchy. These choices reflect broader changes within the institution as it navigates tradition, modernity, and family dynamics in an evolving social landscape.

Current state of royal celebrations

The 2025 Easter service at St. George's Chapel demonstrated both continuity and change within the British royal family. King Charles III led the celebrations while accommodating various family circumstances and maintaining traditional elements of the ceremony. The event showcased the monarchy's ability to balance tradition with contemporary family needs.

The combination of public ceremony and private family celebrations highlights the modern royal family's approach to major holidays. This dual approach enables the maintenance of traditional royal duties while fostering more intimate family connections. The arrangement reflects the ongoing evolution of royal customs and practices in the 21st century.