Kate Middleton and Family Won't Attend Easter Sunday Church with Royals amid Her Cancer News

In previous years, the Prince and Princess of Wales have attended the Easter service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle

Kate Middleton, Prince William and their children will not be attending Easter Sunday church with the royal family this year.

Following the news that the Princess of Wales, 42, is undergoing cancer treatment, it's understood that the family of five won't step out for the service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle this year for Easter, which falls on March 31.

Many royal fans were hoping to see Princess Kate at the outing. Upon announcing the news of her abdominal surgery in January, Kensington Palace said the royal "is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter." However, the holiday church outing is considered a private family event rather than a royal duty, leaving many to believe she may attend.

Kate and Prince William, 41, regularly joined the holiday event with members of the royal family through the years.

In April 2023, the Prince and Princess of Wales brought all three of their children — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — to the service for the first time. For the holiday, the family coordinated in blue outfits, a color choice that was mirrored by King Charles and Queen Camilla for the church visit.

The last Easter service also marked the first time the family celebrated the holiday without Queen Elizabeth, who died in September 2022 at age 96.

Related: When Will Kate Middleton Return to Royal Duty amid Cancer Treatment?

On Friday, the Princess of Wales shared a video message explaining that cancer had been found in post-operative tests following her "major abdominal surgery" in January.

She added that while she is in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy, the diagnosis came as a "huge shock." She expressed her desire to take time to inform her three children about what was happening before disclosing the news to the public. With their children now on break for the Easter holiday, it provides an opportunity for the Prince and Princess of Wales to spend time privately with their kids.

Kate also said in her message that having her husband there to support her has been "a great source of comfort and reassurance," as is the "the love, support and kindness" from the public.

Related: Why Kate Middleton Waited Until George, Charlotte and Louis Were Off from School to Share Cancer News

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According to Kensington Palace, Princess Kate will make her official return to public duties based on advice from her doctors.

"The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery," a palace spokesperson said on Friday.

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