Prince Charles and Camilla stand in for the Queen at Royal Maundy Service – with Her Majesty to miss Easter Sunday too
PRINCE Charles and his wife Camilla are attending a traditional Easter service this morning after stepping in for the Queen.
The couple travelled to Windsor Castle for the ancient Maundy Thursday service at St George's Chapel.
They were called in to represent Her Majesty today after Buckingham Palace announced she'd be unable to attend.
The prince would instead fulfil the ancient duty of distributing Maundy money to community stalwarts, aides said.
It is the first time Charles has stepped in for the event, which is an important fixture in the royal calendar.
Her Majesty, who has been experiencing mobility issues, decided she was unable to commit to the event last Friday.
Read more on the Royal Family
It was also announced that she won't be in the congregation on Easter Sunday.
The monarch won't be joining members of the Royal Family for the Easter Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel.
It comes weeks after she travelled to Westminster Abbey to remember husband Philip with other members of her family.
She has also been carrying out virtual events and her other duties as head of state.
Most read in Fabulous
However, she was forced to miss last month's Commonwealth Day ceremony due to concerns about her “comfort”.
It's only the fifth time the Queen has sent a representative for Maundy Thursday in her 70-year reign.
The last time was in 1970, when she was on tour in New Zealand.
The Queen Mother attended instead.
The monarch has been seen using a walking stick over the last six months.
In February, she told a visitor at Windsor Castle: “As you can see, I can’t move.”
CHARLES STANDS IN
But in March, she received a £62,000 golf buggy to help her get around and fulfil future engagements.
And she walked unaided at the Duke of Edinburgh's memorial on March 29.
During today's service, Charles and Camilla were presented with traditional nosegays.
The sweet-smelling bouquets were used to ward off unpleasant smells during the ceremony in the past.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
Charles will also distribute Maundy money to community stalwarts.
It's the first time the ancient service has taken place for two years as a result of the pandemic.
