Britain's Prince William and Kate lead royal Easter Sunday without Queen Elizabeth


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Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate led the royal family in celebrating Easter Sunday after Queen Elizabeth II stayed away from a traditional church service.

The queen, who turns 96 on Thursday and has suffered what have widely been described as mobility problems, did not make her usual appearance at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, walked to the chapel with their two eldest children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Behind them were the queen's youngest son Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, with their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.

Princess Eugenie walked alongside Peter Phillips and his children Savannah and Isla, while Zara and Mike Tindall brought their eldest daughter Mia.

Princess Eugenie, Peter Phillips and his daughters Isla and Savannah in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Getty
Princess Eugenie, Peter Phillips and his daughters Isla and Savannah in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Getty

Heir to the throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, who represented the queen at a Maundy Thursday service at the same chapel, did not attend.

Meanwhile, Prince William's brother Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, spent Sunday morning at an athletics track for the Invictus Games in the Netherlands.

The couple, who quit royal duties and moved to America in 2020, were widely reported to have stopped in Britain to see the queen and Prince Charles on their way to The Hague.

The monarch marked 70 years on the throne in February but has been mainly been carrying out duties virtually in recent months and has missed a number of prominent events.

After spending a night in hospital in October, she spent the next three months under doctors’ orders conducting only light duties and contracted the coronavirus in February.

She did attend a memorial service at Westminster Abbey for her husband Prince Philip, who died aged 99 last year. Platinum jubilee events to mark the queen's service are planned for June.

  • Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle at the opening of the Invictus Games in The Hague. AFP
    Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle at the opening of the Invictus Games in The Hague. AFP
  • The Duchess of Sussex spoke at the event. AFP
    The Duchess of Sussex spoke at the event. AFP
  • Harry and Meghan cheer the athletes. AFP
    Harry and Meghan cheer the athletes. AFP
  • Harry founded the games to help the rehabilitation of injured or sick military service members. AFP
    Harry founded the games to help the rehabilitation of injured or sick military service members. AFP
  • Harry says those involved with Invictus have overcome immense challenges. AFP
    Harry says those involved with Invictus have overcome immense challenges. AFP
  • The couple received a standing ovation as they praised 'boundless humility, the compassion and the friendship” of the event. Getty Images
    The couple received a standing ovation as they praised 'boundless humility, the compassion and the friendship” of the event. Getty Images
  • The Duke of Sussex praised the Ukrainian team. EPA
    The Duke of Sussex praised the Ukrainian team. EPA
  • Harry says events such as Invictus create opportunities for how to better support Ukraine. AP
    Harry says events such as Invictus create opportunities for how to better support Ukraine. AP
  • The Duke of Sussex during the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge. AFP
    The Duke of Sussex during the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge. AFP
  • Harry is driven by a child in a children's car. EPA
    Harry is driven by a child in a children's car. EPA
  • The couple cheer the participants. AFP
    The couple cheer the participants. AFP
  • The couple ride on children's cars. EPA
    The couple ride on children's cars. EPA
  • The couple obliged photographers and fans. Reuters
    The couple obliged photographers and fans. Reuters
Updated: April 18, 2022, 9:11 AM