As Easter Sunday dawns, the Royal Family will gather in Windsor to observe a cherished tradition, attending a church service led by King Charles and Queen Camilla. This annual event marks a highlight of the Easter season, bringing together senior royals for a day steeped in religious significance and family customs. In recent years, the family has faced changes, with King Charles and the Princess of Wales missing services due to cancer treatments, and Prince William and Kate opting to spend time with their children during school breaks. However, the core Easter traditions remain steadfast, including a lavish roast dinner and indulgent chocolate eggs.
Church Service and Family Gatherings
The Easter Sunday church service at Windsor is a cornerstone of the Royal Family's celebrations, with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the forefront. This year, after absences in 2024 and 2025, Prince William and Kate are expected to attend with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—adding a youthful energy to the proceedings. The service symbolizes a moment of reflection and unity, as the family joins millions worldwide in commemorating the holy day. Following the church visit, the royals return to Windsor Castle to partake in time-honored Easter rituals that blend formality with familial warmth.
Traditional Roast Dinner
Upon returning from church, the Royal Family indulges in a four-course roast dinner, a centerpiece of their Easter festivities. According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, the meal begins with a main course of roast lamb accompanied by seasonal vegetables, a dish favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who preferred her meat well-done. McGrady notes that the family emphasizes seasonal and local ingredients, with Windsor cheese from a nearby dairy being a particular favorite. This commitment to sustainability aligns with King Charles's well-known advocacy for organic farming and eco-friendly practices.
Accompanying the lamb is a compound salad served in a kidney dish, featuring simple ingredients like lettuce, cucumber, mint, grated carrot, and coriander. Historically, children dined separately in a nursery until they could properly handle cutlery, a rule enforced by Queen Elizabeth II. Royal expert Ingrid Seward suggests that King Charles may have relaxed this tradition, allowing more family togetherness during meals. After the roast, the royals enjoy a lavish afternoon tea, setting the stage for the next sweet tradition.
Chocolate Treats and Easter Eggs
Easter Sunday also brings a bounty of chocolate treats, as Lent concludes and indulgence resumes. The late Queen Elizabeth II often gave up chocolate for Lent, making Easter a time for eager enjoyment. In contrast, King Charles is reportedly not fond of chocolate, so he may partake less in this aspect. The family's Easter eggs are exceptionally luxurious, crafted by private chefs into bespoke creations. For adults, the eggs feature delicate sugar floral decorations, while children receive vibrant, eye-catching designs, adding a touch of artistry to the celebration.
Family Time and Modern Adjustments
In recent years, the Prince and Princess of Wales have prioritized family time during Easter, sometimes skipping the church service to be with their children at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall. This reflects a modern shift towards balancing public duties with private life. However, their anticipated attendance this year signals a return to tradition, blending old customs with new family dynamics. The Easter weekend kicks off on Good Friday, with the family enjoying hot cross buns for breakfast and a traditional fish dinner, often hake, as described by McGrady, who recalls Windsor "buzzing" with royal activity during these gatherings.
Overall, the Royal Family's Easter traditions showcase a blend of religious observance, culinary excellence, and familial bonding. From the solemnity of the church service to the joy of chocolate eggs, these rituals highlight continuity and adaptation, ensuring that Easter remains a cherished occasion for generations to come.
