Kate Middleton and Prince William continue to play vital roles within the British royal family, but they occasionally opt to spend holidays away from royal engagements. This year, on April 17, the Prince and Princess of Wales confirmed they would not be joining other royals for the traditional Easter celebrations.
Instead, the couple chose to enjoy a peaceful holiday weekend at their country residence in Norfolk, accompanied by their three children—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.
Buckingham Palace had previously announced that King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals would attend the Easter Mattins service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on Sunday, April 20. This annual service has long been a cherished royal tradition, central to the family's Easter festivities.
Prince William’s first experience attending the royal Easter service dates back to 1987. At just 4 years old, he walked hand-in-hand with his mother, Princess Diana, and cousin Peter Phillips, dressed in a charming robin’s egg blue coat—an iconic early moment for the future king.
Although William and Kate married in 2011, they did not participate in the royal Easter service until 2014. At the time, they were on a royal tour in Australia and New Zealand and attended an Easter Sunday service at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney, though their then 2-year-old son, Prince George, did not accompany them. The couple's decision highlighted their effort to strike a balance between royal responsibilities and providing their children with a grounded upbringing.
The following year, in April 2015, the couple again missed the Windsor Easter service. Kate was dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, during her pregnancy with Princess Charlotte. With the baby due in just weeks, her health naturally took priority.
In 2017, William and Kate finally attended the Easter Mattins service at Windsor alongside the royal family, marking a significant moment in their public lives. Kate’s respectful curtsy as Queen Elizabeth walked past was widely noted, symbolizing her commitment to royal traditions. It also reflected the couple’s deeper integration into the royal fold after several years of adjusting to their roles.
The tradition continued in 2018, with their attendance just before Kate gave birth to Prince Louis. Once again, this appearance demonstrated their devotion to royal customs amid life’s major changes.
By 2019, the couple remained consistent with their Easter involvement. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 services. Public health concerns halted many traditional royal events during that time.
When Easter services resumed in 2022, Prince George and Princess Charlotte made their debut appearance at the ceremony, adding a delightful family touch to the occasion. In 2023, Prince Louis joined the family, creating a heartwarming scene as the Wales family coordinated in stylish blue attire. The coordinated outfits captured media attention and delighted royal fans, showcasing their unity as a family.
However, the Wales family was absent from the 2024 Easter celebration. Just one week prior, Princess Kate had publicly announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer. Her health concerns led her to step back from royal duties throughout much of the year. In September, she shared that she had completed chemotherapy, and by January, she revealed she was in remission—an update that was met with immense public support and admiration.
This journey underscored Kate’s resilience and strength, as well as the unwavering support she received from her family during a difficult chapter.
While King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, led the royal family at Easter this year, it’s important to note that even they haven’t always been present at the Windsor service. During Queen Elizabeth’s reign, the couple often celebrated Easter in Scotland, showing that even senior royals sometimes step back from tradition.
This pattern of flexible participation reflects an evolving royal family that balances personal circumstances with ceremonial obligations. It also highlights how deeply personal well-being and family life are now factored into royal decision-making.
In summary, while Kate Middleton and Prince William remain key figures in the monarchy, their decisions about Easter celebrations show a thoughtful balance between duty and devotion to their children. As they continue to honor royal traditions, they are also creating lasting memories and prioritizing their family’s well-being—an approach that resonates with many modern families.
