Why Catherine, Princess of Wales wasn't at the traditional royal Easter Sunday service this year

Catherine, Princess of Wales, was noticably absent from the annual British royal family Easter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor.

While Kate and husband Prince William and their children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis, have regularly attended the annual church service, the family have decided to spend Easter at Amner Hall.

Kate is recovering from cancer and is undergoing preventative chemotherapy and hasn't been seen at a royal event since Christmas 2023.

READ MORE: King Charles makes first public appearance since cancer diagnosis

The Wales family were seen departing Adelaide Cottage in Windsor by helicopter over the weekend, which put an end to speculation over whether they'd attend the service alongside King Charles III and the rest of the royals.

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Royal family at the annual Easter Sunday service: In photos

It's understood the family will be spending George, Charlotte and Louis' Easter school holidays at Anmer Hall privately as a family.

While Kate and William stayed home on Easter Sunday, plenty of other senior royals stepped out for the Easter service. Many senior members of the royal family have been stepping up their public appearances in support of Charles and Catherine as they both continue treatment for cancer.

READ MORE: Charles will skip traditional lunch after attending royal Easter service

King Charles and wife Camilla, Queen Consort, both arrived together to greet well-wishers outside of the church.

The King and Queen were then joined by a number of other key royals, including Princess Anne, Prince Edward, wife Sophie and their son James, Prince Andrew and Sarah, the Duchess of York.

The monarch looked to be in good spirits as he waved at well wishers and smiled and laughed as he was greeted at the entrance.

It was long speculated Charles may also choose to skip the annual church service due to his ongoing battle with cancer.

However, the monarch put on a show of unity with the rest of the royals by arriving at one of his first major public engagements since being diagnosed with cancer in early February.

Neither of Princess Anne's children attended today's service. Mike and Zara Tindall are understood to be at home with their three children and Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips also didn't attend.

Also absent from today's Easter service was the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter Lady Louise, 20, who is reportedly busy with her studies at the University of St Andrews.

There was also no sign of Princess Beatrice or Eugenie.

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