He king Charles III attended this Sunday along with the queen and other members of the royal family at an Easter mass at Windsor Castle, in his most significant public appearance since he was diagnosed with cancer in February.
The British monarch offered a cheerful greeting gesture to the waiting people as he walked towards St George’s Chapel for a religious service that was expected to last around an hour. One person exclaimed “happy Easter,” to which Carlos responded “likewise”.
Wearing a black coat, the 75-year-old sovereign appeared smiling and waving as he got out of the car with his wife, Queen Camilla, in front of the religious building in Windsor Castle, located fifty kilometers from the British capital.
The couple left the temple an hour later and went to greet the public. Camila received a bouquet of flowers.
Shortly after, the monarchs got into the royal Bentley, with large windows, and left the place.
The appearance of the 75-year-old king was interpreted as an attempt to reassure the population after Charles withdrew from public duties following an announcement from Buckingham Palace in early February that he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.
On February 11, the king attended a mass with his wife in the church of his country residence in Sandringham (eastern England) and since then he had only been seen in photos or video messages, in addition to an audio that was released this Thursday on the occasion of the annual Royal Maundy ceremony.
The king has continued to work privately, reviewing government documents and meeting with the prime minister. Now his presence at a regular public event of the crown such as the Easter mass was considered a sign that he is beginning to return to the public eye. British media published last week that the monarch would begin to increase his actions after Easter.
The ceremony itself was less crowded than usual, as Kate, Princess of Wales, is also undergoing cancer treatment and has stopped public appearances. The princess, her husband, Prince William, and her children would not attend the event.
Kate’s shocking announcement that she, too, has cancer came on March 22 after weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts following major abdominal surgery in February.
King Charles II greets people who approached Windsor Castle. Photo: ReutersThe king’s forced absence from public view has been a setback for a man eager to make his mark on the crown after waiting nearly 74 years — longer than any previous heir — to become king.
When he succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles focused on the difficult task of proving that a monarchy with a thousand years of history remains relevant in a modern nation whose citizens come from all corners of the planet. After less than two years on the throne, the king continues to define himself before the public and tries to convince young people and members of minorities that the royal family can represent them.
Although the duties of a constitutional monarch are mostly ceremonial, the tasks of a member of the royal family can be exhausting.
In addition to the occasional parade with all the royal pageantry, there are meetings with political leaders, tribute ceremonies and events that recognize the achievements of British citizens. Charles’s first year on the throne included 161 days of official events.
With agency information
