Cambridges lead royal Easter service as the Queen stays home

London: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge led the royal family’s Easter Sunday church service at Windsor Castle, the Queen noticeably absent from one of her traditional outings.

The Queen, who has been experiencing mobility problems, did not attend the service despite it being held in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where she lives.

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge attend the Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Credit: Getty Images

William and Catherine were accompanied by two of their three children: Prince George, 8, and Princess Charlotte, 6.

Also in attendance were the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward, his wife Sophie and their children.

Princess Eugenie, the daughter of Prince Andrew, was in attendance, but there was no sign of her father, who recently settled a multimillion-pound legal case linked to allegations of sexual assault. He is also embroiled in a fraud case.

The Queen – celebrating her 96th birthday on Thursday – is marking 70 years on the throne in 2022.

She has cut back on public duties on her doctors’ orders since spending a night in hospital in October and also had a bout of COVID-19 in February. She attended a memorial service in March for her late husband Prince Philip, but has otherwise contained engagements to within the walls of Windsor Castle, either in person or virtually.

Prince Harry, who met with his grandmother, the Queen, earlier in the week, was in the Hague, where he opened the Invictus Games for ex-servicemen and women on Saturday night.

Harry, who founded the event to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick veterans, welcomed the competitors, singling out the Ukrainian contingent.

“Your bravery in choosing to come and for being here tonight cannot be overstated,” he said.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games in the Hague on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images

“You know, we stand with you. The world is united with you. And still you deserve more. And my hope is that these events, this event, creates the opportunity ... of how we as a global community can better show up for you.”

Reuters, AP

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