King Charles returns to public life amid cancer battle at Easter service

King Charles smiled and waved as he made his return to public life since he was diagnosed with cancer. See photos.

King Charles returned to public life when he joined other members of the royal family for an Easter Sunday service in his most significant appearance since he was diagnosed with cancer.

In a determined sign that he wants to get back to work, Charles was dropped off in a maroon state Bentley to St George’s Chapel on the grounds of Windsor instead of taking the traditional 10-minute walk there, stopping to wave to cheering crowds and staff gathered on the grassy verges.

The king struck a joyous figure in the morning cold accompanied by Queen Camilla; his loyal sister Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence; Andrew, the Duke of York and his ex-wife and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York; and Sophie and Prince Edward, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh for the traditional annual Easter Mattins.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty Images

Charles smiled and wave as he arrived for the traditional Easter Sunday service. Picture: Getty Images

Charles greeted well wishers as he left St. George's Chapel, in Windsor Castle. Picture: AFP

Prince William, Princess Catherine and their children were absent as the Princess of Wales undergoes treatment for an unspecified cancer.

Her Majesty was wearing a green coat dress by Anna Valentine, a hat by Philip Treacy and an emerald and diamond brooch that belonged to the late Queen.

Camilla, Anne and Sarah all wore green, the colour synonymous with the cancer ribbon.

Royal expert Afua Hagan told the Express UK she believes the move was a show of support for Charles and Catherine as they battled cancer.

Sarah, Duchess of York. Picture: Getty Images

Princess Anne. Picture: Getty Images

A Palace source said the king’s future engagements remain subject to medical advice and the Easter walkabout was “a very encouraging sign” of how his treatment is progressing.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “After the service Their Majesties conducted a walkabout in the castle grounds to thank members of the congregation, estate workers and general public who had kindly turned out to show their support.”

The king struck a joyous figure in the morning cold. Picture: AFP

The monarch has been missing from public duty since he was diagnosed in February and was said to be determined to make his comeback at this year’s Easter Day church service, after feeling “frustrated” at the length of time his treatment has been taking and pushing his aides to let him get back to work.

He agreed to modifications to the royal family’s traditional Easter diary with a smaller than usual contingent at the chapel and sitting apart from the congregation beside the Queen in a change considered an acceptable environment for him at this stage of his illness.

The event marked Charles’ first major public appearance since his cancer diagnosis in February. Picture: Getty Images

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. Picture: Getty Images

He was not expected to attend a post-service reception or host a private family lunch, in an approach described as “Easter Lite”.

The King is said to be “very positive” and his doctors “optimistic”, as aides plan for him to build back to resuming a fuller schedule of engagements “towards the summer”.

Insiders say his Easter appearance is a “turning the dial” toward resuming his ordinary program, including a gradual increase in hosting guests for engagements at the palace as English summer approaches.

Disgraced Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was also in attendance. Picture: AFP

Prince Andrew, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne and Sarah Ferguson after the Easter service. Picture: AFP

His slow return to public duty comes after a second cancer diagnosis in the royal household which has left Princess Catherine also unable to carry out public duties.

Catherine announced last Friday she is under the care of a medical team and having a course of preventative chemotherapy after checks during an abdominal surgery found traces of cancer had been present.

Both have been compelled to halt their public engagements, with the King instead working behind closed doors and the princess at home and focusing on her health.

Their absence made this year’s turn out at St George’s Chapel for the Easter service a much smaller royal contingent.

Sarah Ferguson leaves after attending the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel. Picture: Getty Images

The Waleses have chosen to batten down the hatched and spend time at their Norfolk home in Anmer village while she undergoes preventative chemotherapy and spends time with the children in the Easter break.

While Charles is receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, he has refrained from public appearances on the advice of his medical team to minimise health risks associated with large crowds.

Charles’ nephew Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, revealed the monarch was in “good spirits” but “hugely frustrated” at the time his recovery was taking, and was pushing staff to let him take on some royal duties.

The royal pack has shrunk since Prince Andrew was forced to resign from public duty after his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have also bowed out of public duty and now live in California after a much publicised falling out with the royal family.

The king has made a conscious effort to be photographed undertaking his key duties, including issuing a rare video from his private audience with the Prime Minister, pictures of him welcoming visiting diplomats, and regular shots of him in the car to and from Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.

The Queen carried out three engagements this week, including representing the king at the annual Thursday Royal Maundy service.

Last week she visited Northern Ireland on overnight trip without the king.

The royal family aims to reassemble for a full show of support for Britain’s veterans at the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6 with plans for senior members of the family to travel to Normandy.

Charles’ diary is also being sketched around the Trooping of the Colour which celebrates his official birthday and falls on June 15.

Originally published as King Charles returns to public life amid cancer battle at Easter service