King Charles Makes First Major Public Appearance Since Cancer Diagnosis, Looking Frail

After starting cancer treatment weeks back, King Charles made his first public appearance alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, for an Easter church service at Windsor Castle. The reigning monarch led the royal family as they arrived at St. George’s Chapel for the Easter Matins Service, greeted the clergy, and acknowledged the crowd on his way in.

Based on medical directions, the King and Queen sat apart from everyone else and were to be absent for any reception event or private family lunch after the service. Following the program, Camilla, who wore a green coat dress with the late Queen Elizabeth’s emerald and diamond brooch, joined Charles for a walkabout to greet the congregation and the public who stayed out waiting.

The public shows support for King Charles amid cancer battle

Charles was seen shaking hands and receiving compliments amid cheerful smiles from well-wishers who wished him a quick recovery. Also in attendance were Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex, Sophie.

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However, Charles’ son, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their kids — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — were absent. This is likely due to Kate’s recent cancer diagnosis, which was announced recently. Although the public was skeptical about the King’s attendance due to advice to limit contact with people, Buckingham Palace confirmed his enthusiasm to be at service, as he gladly was.

Like Kate’s, Charles’ type of cancer has been kept private, and their diagnoses mark the first time two senior royals will have the same kind of disease simultaneously in the monarchy’s history. Despite this, reports have surfaced indicating that Charles is dealing with pancreatic cancer, which often comes with a grim prognosis. According to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, Charles “has always had a very good bond” with Kate and is looking out for her amid his own health challenge.

Sally told PEOPLE ahead of this week’s cover story that she does not consider it “presumptuous to say that [Kate] is like the daughter [Charles] never had.”

“He shares with William an impulse to protect her. They are in this together, Kate and the King,” she added. According to sources, the king is “progressing well,” and there is an “amplified confidence” as he undergoes treatment. “He is positive, the doctors are optimistic,” the royal insider added.