Prince Louis Shares Sweet Moment With King Charles at Easter Service
The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, attended the traditional Easter Sunday church service at St George's Chapel in Windsor. This marked their first public appearance as a complete family unit since Princess Catherine's cancer diagnosis was announced to the public.
A Family Gathering at Windsor
Seven-year-old Prince Louis walked alongside his mother and his sister, Princess Charlotte, down the hill from Windsor Castle to the historic chapel. The young prince appeared in good spirits as he awaited the arrival of his grandfather, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla.
The royal family members gathered outside the chapel to formally welcome the monarch and his consort. King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived by car to enthusiastic cheers of "God save the King" from the assembled crowd of well-wishers.
A Grandfather's Affectionate Gesture
As King Charles made his entrance into the chapel, he turned toward his grandchildren, Charlotte and Louis. Observers noted that the monarch appeared to give young Louis a playful tap on the shoulder—a spontaneous display of affection that captured the attention of royal watchers.
Body language expert Judi James analyzed the interaction, stating: "It is a very unusual reward ritual from Charles, showing his softer side as a doting grandad. There is a very sweet moment when Charles is walking past William's children and he spontaneously, fondly and unusually (in public), stretches one hand out to pat one of them."
Extended Royal Family in Attendance
The Easter service brought together multiple members of the royal family:
- Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence
- Prince Edward and his son James, the Earl of Wessex
- Peter Phillips and his fiancée Harriet Sperling, who will marry in June
Notably absent were the Duchess of Edinburgh, who was feeling "under the weather," and Lady Louise, who was occupied with university commitments.
Special Moments With the Public
Despite the bitter cold and blustery conditions that prevented a planned walkabout, King Charles and Queen Camilla made a point to greet the crowds who had gathered outside the chapel. The royal couple exited their State Bentley to carry out a brief meet-and-greet session.
Among those waiting was seven-year-old Frank Gates from Egremont in Cumbria, who proudly saluted the King while dressed in a Coldstream Guards uniform. The young boy expressed his aspiration to join the regiment when older, declaring: "Because they are second to none."
Queen Camilla was presented with a posy of flowers by ten-year-old Kit Bannan, much to the delight of the applauding spectators.
A Joyful Family Departure
Following the service, the Wales family led the royal party back up the hill toward Windsor Castle. All three children waved cheerfully to well-wishers calling out Easter greetings.
In a particularly touching moment, Princess Catherine was observed giving her daughter Charlotte an affectionate hug, wrapping her arm around the young princess's shoulders and pulling her close as they walked.
The Easter Sunday service represented a significant milestone for the Wales family, marking their return to public royal duties together following Princess Catherine's health announcement. The presence of all three Cambridge children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—added to the sense of familial warmth and continuity during this important religious occasion.
