In a move that’s raising royal eyebrows once again, Prince William and Princess Kate have chosen to skip the traditional Easter Sunday service in Windsor for the second year in a row.
Instead of appearing alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, the couple opted for a quiet holiday with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—at their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.
The unexpected decision has already triggered speculation and mixed reactions, especially given that the couple had consistently attended the Easter service before 2023. But insiders say this was no royal snub—it’s all about putting family first.
With their children due back at Lambrook School in Berkshire after the Bank Holiday weekend, Kate and William reportedly wanted uninterrupted time together before the school term resumes. It’s also rumored that Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, may join the family in Norfolk, turning the break into a warm Middleton-Wales family gathering.
While critics are questioning the optics of skipping such a high-profile royal event, those close to the couple say it’s a conscious choice to create a sense of normalcy for their children amid the demands of royal life. After all, Prince William remembers all too well the strain public life placed on his own childhood.
The decision follows Princess Kate’s ongoing health recovery, after undergoing treatment for cancer last year. Though she’s been seen at recent public appearances, including the St. Patrick’s Day parade with the Irish Guards, many believe the family is still navigating Kate’s health journey in private.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time a senior royal has stepped back from Easter traditions. During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, King Charles—then Prince of Wales—often skipped Easter at Windsor to spend time at Birkhall in Scotland. His decision was widely accepted as personal rather than political, setting a precedent William seems comfortable following.
That said, King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to lead this year’s Easter service at St. George’s Chapel, joined by other senior royals including Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and the Duchess of Edinburgh.
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Their presence will be particularly symbolic, as it marks the King’s continued return to public life following his own cancer diagnosis.
Meanwhile, Prince William hasn’t exactly been idle this Easter season. He recently attended both legs of Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final matches against PSG—one in Paris, the other in Birmingham—accompanied by Prince George. These outings offered fans a rare look at the strong bond between father and son, as the pair were seen celebrating and sharing emotional moments in the stands.
And while Kate has taken a lower public profile, Kensington Palace recently released a touching video of the Princess walking through nature with a group of scouts near Lake Windermere.
In the video, Kate opens up about the spiritual peace she finds in nature—perhaps offering a quiet window into the therapeutic rhythms she’s been embracing during her recovery.
While some observers continue to speculate about the couple’s visibility or absence, it’s becoming clear that Kate and William are defining royal duty on their own terms. By balancing high-profile responsibilities with family-centered decisions, they’re setting the tone for a more modern monarchy—one where quality time and private moments hold just as much value as palace appearances.
For now, the Wales family is choosing peace over protocol, warmth over formality, and privacy over pomp. Whether the public agrees or not, one thing is certain: Kate and William are putting their family first—no matter who’s watching.
