King Charles III made his first major public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer, leading the royal family’s Easter service on Sunday.
The 75-year-old British monarch, who is currently processing cancer treatment, stepped out at Windsor Castle with his wife, Queen Camilla, 76, over the weekend.
The couple waved to the crowd outside St George’s Chapel before greeting the church’s clergy ahead of the annual Mattins Easter service.
The king is expected to buck tradition this year by not attending a reception or organizing a private family lunch after the service, on orders from his doctors.
However, all of Charles’ siblings were present for military service: Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, including Princess Anne and Prince Edward.
Noticeably absent were Kate Middleton, Prince William and their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, who did not attend following the princess’ announcement that she was battling cancer.
The family of five are expected to enjoy a private Easter celebration at their Anmer Corridor residence in Norfolk.
It comes a week after Middleton, 42, confirmed her prognosis and revealed she is currently undergoing “preventive chemotherapy.”
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“I am doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that can help me heal, in my mind, body and spirit,” she assured her followers, noting that most cancers have been detected after stomach surgery. planned in January.
Charles, in turn, announced his cancer prognosis in February, after undergoing surgery for an enlarged prostate.
He and his daughter-in-law reportedly met for a private lunch to discuss their “regular health experiences” before she made a lengthy statement about her prognosis, sources tell PEOPLE.
The monarch also publicly confirmed his support for her, telling Page Six in a statement through a Buckingham Palace spokesperson that he is “very pleased with Catherine for her courage in speaking out as she did.”
The spokesperson reiterated that Charles “remained in closer contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the preceding weeks.”