How the British Royal Family Celebrates Easter

Members of the British royal family gathered in Windsor to observe Easter traditions on April 5, 2026. The celebrations included the traditional attendance of an Easter service at St George’s Chapel, where King Charles, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were seen with their children.

The royal gathering featured Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Observers noted the growth of the royal children, specifically mentioning that Prince George is nearing the height of his mother, Kate Middleton, and that Princess Charlotte has grown into a young lady.

Traditional Easter Observances

The royal family maintains a consistent set of rituals for the holiday. This typically involves traveling to Windsor to spend the holiday together as a group. In addition to the church services, the family often shares a classic roast lamb lunch.

The 2026 celebrations took place amid a period of adjustment for the family. In recent years, annual rituals were modified due to the coronavirus pandemic and the health battles of King Charles and Kate Middleton, both of whom have treated cancer.

While the family gathered for the holiday, reports indicate that Prince Andrew was not part of the celebrations with King Charles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.

The Royal Maundy Service

The Easter period for the monarch also includes the Royal Maundy Service, typically held on the Thursday before Easter. During this ceremony, the monarch distributes Maundy money to individuals recognized for their service to their churches and communities.

The number of recipients is determined by the age of the King. For example, in a previous instance, the King distributed coins to 77 men and 77 women. Recipients receive two leather pouches: a red one containing ordinary coinage for food and clothing, and a white one containing Maundy coins with a value up to the Sovereign’s age.

Although these coins are legal tender, they are generally kept as keepsakes. This tradition was adapted by Queen Elizabeth early in her reign and has been continued by King Charles. Due to his ongoing cancer treatment in 2024, Queen Camilla stepped in to perform the service on his behalf.

Family Activities and Traditions

Beyond the formal religious services, the royal children participate in lighter holiday activities. This includes the traditional practice of coloring Easter eggs, a staple of the family’s private celebrations.

The public appearance of the royal children at St George’s Chapel serves as a primary way for the public to see the growth and development of the next generation of the monarchy, particularly as Prince George and Princess Charlotte enter their teenage years.