By Elsie Kamsiyochi
LONDON, — The British royal family gathered at Windsor Castle on Sunday for the traditional Easter Matins service, an annual event that remains one of the most significant religious fixtures in the royal calendar.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the family at St George’s Chapel, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, offering a familiar scene of unity at a time when several controversies continue to cast shadows over the monarchy.
The king, as supreme governor of the Church of England, has long regarded the Easter service as central to his public duties. Dressed in coordinated formal wear, Charles and Camilla were greeted by the Dean of Windsor, Christopher Cocksworth. Camilla, wearing a striking red coat and matching hat, received a small bouquet of flowers as she entered the chapel.
Joining the monarchs inside were several senior working royals, including Prince Edward and Anne, the Princess Royal, along with additional members of the extended family. After the service, Charles and Camilla greeted members of the public gathered outside, wishing them a warm “Happy Easter” before departing.
Noticeable Absences Amid Growing Scandals
However, the event also underscored a notable absence: the king’s younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Andrew, who attended last year’s Easter gathering alongside his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, remained out of sight as he continues to grapple with legal and public scrutiny. His absence comes months after he was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a development that has further strained the royal family’s public image.
Also missing were his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. According to a royal source, their decision not to attend the service was made independently and did not originate from King Charles.
Epstein Scandal Resurfaces Ahead of Charles’s U.S. Visit
The Easter service followed renewed calls for accountability related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. On Saturday, the family of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre urged King Charles to meet with survivors during his upcoming state visit to the United States later this month. The timing coincides with the anniversary of Giuffre’s death and has brought renewed attention to her claims.
Giuffre had accused Andrew of sexually exploiting her when she was 17, allegations he has repeatedly denied. Although Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing, the scandal continues to haunt the royal family, resurfacing each time he appears—or fails to appear—at public events.
A Historic Easter for the Church of England
Away from Windsor, the Church of England marked a historic moment of its own. Sarah Mullally, the newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to lead the Church, delivered her inaugural Easter sermon at Canterbury Cathedral. Her appointment represents a notable transformation for the Church, long criticized for lagging behind other institutions in gender representation.
A Balancing Act for the Modern Monarchy
As the royal family attempts to project unity and stability, this year’s Easter gathering highlighted the delicate balance King Charles must maintain: upholding centuries-old tradition while navigating modern-day scandals, public expectations, and calls for greater transparency.
While the king refrained from delivering an Easter message this year, his actions—and the absences of key figures—spoke to the evolving challenges facing the monarchy as it moves deeper into a new era.
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