King Charles III made a public appearance at Windsor Castle on Sunday, attending an Easter service amidst his recent diagnosis of an undisclosed form of cancer.
This visit may signal his eventual return to public duties, which he has been largely absent from since his diagnosis and treatment.
The king greeted onlookers with a wave as he entered St. George's Chapel for the hour-long service. In response to a member of the public wishing him "Happy Easter," Charles replied, "And to you." After the service, he mingled with the crowd, speaking to them and shaking hands, the BBC 
Accompanying Charles at the service were Queen Camila, his siblings, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of York, and Princess Anne, as well as other members of the royal family. The attendees included the Duchess of Edinburgh, their son James, and Anne's husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, as reported by the BBC.
Royal Family Update
Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew's ex-wife who was diagnosed with skin cancer earlier this year, was also in attendance.
But the service itself was smaller than usual. Catherine, Princess of Wales, known to the public as Kate Middleton, is also being treated for cancer and said in a viral video message announcing the news that she would be doing so privately. Princess Kate did not attend the Easter service, nor did her husband, William, Prince of Wales, or their three children.
The 75-year-old monarch's appearance is seen as an effort to reassure the public after Charles stepped back from public duties in early February following an announcement by Buckingham Palace that he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.
The king's Recent Activities
Amidst his ongoing state duties, including reviewing government papers and meeting with the prime minister, the king was spotted attending a church service with Camilla in February, shortly after the cancer diagnosis was revealed.
However, Charles' presence at a traditional royal event coincided with the date that Kensington Palace had announced Kate's return to the public eye post her recovery from major abdominal surgery in January. Kate's unexpected disclosure of her own battle with cancer on March 22, following weeks of speculation about her well-being and whereabouts, surprised many. In a video message, the princess shared her plans to undergo preventative chemotherapy and emphasized the importance of taking time to heal.
Charles' absence from public engagements has been a setback for the king, who has been eager to establish his influence on the monarchy after a prolonged wait of nearly 74 years — longer than any previous heir — to ascend to the throne.
Upon succeeding his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles was confronted with the challenge of proving the relevance of the ancient monarchy in a diverse and modern nation. Still in the early stages of his reign, the king continues to shape his public image, striving to connect with young individuals and members of minority communities to demonstrate that the royal family can be inclusive and representative.
While the responsibilities of a constitutional monarch are mainly ceremonial, the demands of royal life can be draining.
Amidst the occasional display of grand royal attire, there are gatherings with political figures, solemn ceremonies, and celebrations recognizing the achievements of British nationals. In total, these activities amounted to 161 days of official duties for Charles in his inaugural year as monarch.
