Cambridges lead royal family at Easter mass as palace makes major statement on Queen's attendance at Jubilee events

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have brought along their eldest children to Easter Sunday mass for the first time at Windsor Castle.

The outing by the Cambridges comes as Buckingham Palace suggests Queen Elizabeth's attendance at Platinum Jubilee events will only be confirmed on the day itself due to ongoing health issues.

It's another sign of the monarch's gradual stepping back from public life, having suffered mobility problems of late, forcing the cancellation of a number of public engagements.

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Her Majesty will turn 96 on Thursday April 21 and was represented by members of her family during Easter celebrations at the weekend. (Watch the video at the top of the page.)

The Queen had pulled out of the Maundy Thursday event at St George's Chapel, with Prince Charles and Camilla stepping in, followed by the Easter Sunday service.

Prince William and Kate were the most senior members of the royal family at the morning mass on Sunday at Windsor Castle, bringing along Prince George, eight, and Princess Charlotte, six, for the first time.

It was a welcome return for the service, which had not been held since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2019.

The day also marked the one year anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral which took place at the same location on April 17, 2021.

Her Majesty is believed to have marked the occasion privately at a chapel inside Windsor Castle.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and their children, wore matching shades of blue for the morning service.

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Their youngest child Prince Louis, who turns four on Saturday April 23, was not there.

The Cambridges have only just returned to England after spending a private holiday skiing in France.

Kate wore a pale blue coat dress by Emilia Wickstead and a headband by Jane Taylor, while Princess Charlotte had on a pale blue floral dress with matching tights.

Prince William and Prince George both wore suits with ties.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex also attended, with their children, Lady Louise, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14.

Zara and Mike Tindall brought along their elder daughter Mia, eight, and Peter Phillips was joined by his two children, Savannah, 11, and Isla, 10.

Princess Eugenie was at the service, but there was no sign of her father Prince Andrew, who lives at the Royal Lodge nearby.

Lady Sarah Chatto, the daughter of the late Princess Margaret, was accompanied by her son, Arthur Chatto.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were not there as they are believed to be in Scotland.

The absence of the Queen came amid reports that the public should no longer expect to see Her Majesty at public engagements.

Her Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated in June with a four-day spectacle. The main events include Trooping the Colour and a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral.

A palace source told The Telegraph UK: "The assumption must now be that the Queen will not be present at events.

"If Her Majesty does attend, it will be decided on the day and she will be accompanied by another member of the royal family."

Regarding the Jubilee, the source said the monarch "plans" to attend as many events as possible over the four days.

Last week the Queen revealed her recent battle with coronavirus had left her feeling "very tired and exhausted". The comments were made during a virtual event, of which she has done many since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The Queen has also used technology to continue with her light duties from Windsor Castle, where her comfort can be taken into account.

Her most recent public event was on March 29 at Westminster Abbey for a memorial service dedicated to Prince Philip. But the Queen's attendance was confirmed just hours before after much speculation her mobility might have prevented her from being there.

Recently Her Majesty told quipped to guests at Windsor Castle, "Well, as you can see, I can't move".

She has been using a walking stick since October but is understood to have ruled out relying on a wheelchair for now.

But the public are hoping to see the Queen front and centre of her Jubilee celebrations later this year in honour of her historic 70th year on the throne.

Trooping the Colour — the Queen's annual birthday parade — will take place in London on Thursday June 2 and will see members of the royal family make their regular appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. It hasn't been held in its full form since 2019.

A Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen will be held on Friday June 3 at St Paul's Cathedral.

The Epsom Derby, in which one of the Queen's horses will race, is taking place on Saturday June 4, followed by a televised Platinum Party at the Palace concert.

A huge Platinum Jubilee Pageant and street parade will be the culmination of the four-day long weekend, at Buckingham Palace, on Sunday June 5.