By rikififi90 
Easter 2025 was marked by messages of peace and unity in the United Kingdom, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla leading celebrations by attending the Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on April 20. Joined by members of the Royal Family, including the Duke of York, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the royal couple participated in the traditional Easter Matins service held in the 15th-century chapel in Windsor, Berkshire. The event, which drew crowds of admirers, highlighted the king’s resilience, as he continues cancer treatment while maintaining a public presence during a significant moment for the nation. Meanwhile, religious leaders such as the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, used their homilies to address escalating global conflicts, calling for prayers for peace in regions like Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These messages underscore the pursuit of solidarity in a world marked by division and violence.
Absent from the Windsor event, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, spent the holiday with their children in Norfolk, a decision reflecting the family’s privacy amid Kate’s recovery from cancer treatment diagnosed in 2024. The absence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, following Justin Welby’s resignation in November 2024 due to criticism over his handling of abuse cases, was also notable. Welby, who traditionally delivered the Easter sermon, was replaced by Cottrell, who used the opportunity to condemn the “madness” of a world that fosters hatred and greed. In his homily at the Easter Vigil, Nichols called for peace, expressing particular concern for those threatened by conflicts where “all hell” could be unleashed, echoing the king’s appeals for unity across different faiths and communities.
Charles III’s presence at the Easter service, just days after his Easter message, reinforces his commitment to interfaith harmony and humanitarian support. In his address on Maundy Thursday during the Royal Maundy service in Durham, the king highlighted the duality of humanity, capable of “great cruelty and great kindness,” and praised those offering aid in times of war and disaster. Easter, one of the most important moments in the Christian calendar, served as a platform for secular and religious leaders to unite their voices in calling for hope, reconciliation, and the cessation of conflicts affecting millions worldwide.
Highlights of the Easter celebration
The Easter service at St George’s Chapel was a moment of unity for the Royal Family, except for William and Kate, who opted for a private holiday. The gathered crowd greeted Charles and Camilla with “Happy Easter” wishes, and the queen received a bouquet from a young spectator, a gesture symbolizing the monarchy’s closeness to the people. The ceremony, led by the Dean of Windsor, Christopher Cocksworth, reinforced Christian values of renewal and hope, central themes of Easter.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, in his sermon at York Minster, drew attention to the need for peace in a “troubled” world. He listed specific regions, such as Israel and Gaza, where violence has caused widespread suffering, and criticized the global tendency to divide communities and foster hatred. Cottrell, facing pressure over his handling of abuse cases in the Church of England, used the homily to emphasize unity and compassion.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, delivered a powerful homily at the Easter Vigil on Saturday. He called for prayers for peace, with a special plea to prevent the escalation of conflicts where “hell” could be unleashed, referring to recent threats in regions like Gaza and Ukraine. His homily echoed global concerns, reinforcing the Catholic Church’s role as a voice for peace.
- Main event: Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, with Charles III and Camilla.
- Peace message: Cottrell and Nichols call for prayers for conflicts in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and more.
- Notable absences: Prince and Princess of Wales celebrated in Norfolk; Archbishop of Canterbury absent.
- Symbolic gestures: Queen Camilla received a bouquet from a young girl in the crowd.
Context of Easter 2025
Easter 2025 comes at a time of challenges for the Church of England and the British monarchy. The resignation of Justin Welby, following criticism for not reporting abuse cases by John Smyth, left the position of Archbishop of Canterbury vacant, with the selection process for a successor still ongoing. Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, took on the responsibility of leading the Easter message but also faces scrutiny over his handling of a separate abuse case, sparking debates about the credibility of Anglican leadership.
King Charles III, diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, has maintained a reduced public schedule, but his participation in the Easter service demonstrates his determination to fulfill ceremonial duties. Since the start of his reign in September 2022, Charles has emphasized the importance of unity across faiths, a recurring theme in his messages. His presence in Windsor, alongside Camilla and other royals, reinforces this vision, especially in a global context marked by conflicts and polarization.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who offered prayers for Charles’s recovery in 2024, continues to play a central role in the British Catholic Church. His Easter Vigil homily highlighted the urgency of peace, aligning with calls from global leaders like Pope Francis, who urged fraternity in war-torn regions. The collaboration between Anglican and Catholic leaders, evident in the Easter messages, reflects an ecumenical effort to address global challenges.
Charles III’s message
On Maundy Thursday, Charles III attended the Royal Maundy service in Durham, where he presented ceremonial coins to 75 men and 75 women, symbolizing his age and community service. In his recorded message, the king highlighted humanity’s capacity to balance cruelty with kindness, praising those working in humanitarian efforts during wars and disasters. He also emphasized the importance of unity across religions, a theme that has defined his reign since his coronation in May 2023, when leaders of various faiths, including Nichols, participated in the ceremony.
Charles’s message resonates with the global challenges of 2025, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, which will mark three years in February, and the conflict in Gaza, which has displaced millions since October 2023. The king, who visited communities affected by conflicts, such as Ukrainian and Syrian refugees in 2022, uses his platform to highlight humanitarian causes. His focus on kindness reflects an attempt to inspire hope in a fragmented world.
The Easter service in Windsor was an extension of this message, with Charles and Camilla engaging with the crowd in a gesture of closeness. The presence of royals like Princess Anne, who spoke at length with the Dean of Windsor, and the Duke of York, despite recent controversies, reinforced the image of continuity in the monarchy during turbulent times.
Stephen Cottrell’s role
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, took on the responsibility of delivering the Easter sermon at York Minster, a task traditionally reserved for the Archbishop of Canterbury. His homily was direct, addressing the “madness” of a world that promotes division and greed. He listed specific conflicts, such as Israel and Gaza, where over 40,000 people have died since 2023, and Ukraine, where the war has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Cottrell also criticized the tendency to “other” others, a practice he said fuels hatred and violence.
Cottrell’s leadership, however, is under scrutiny. In 2024, he faced calls to resign over his handling of an abuse case in the Church of England, separate from the scandal that led to Welby’s exit. Despite this, his Easter sermon was well-received by many, who praised its clarity in addressing global issues. The absence of a new Archbishop of Canterbury placed additional pressure on Cottrell, who has sought to maintain unity within the Anglican Church.
Cottrell’s homily also highlighted the Christian hope in the resurrection, a central Easter theme. He urged the faithful to pray for those affected by conflicts, emphasizing that faith can offer solace in times of crisis. His message aligned with those of other religious leaders, like Nichols, reinforcing ecumenical collaboration for peace.
Vincent Nichols’s voice
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, delivered a powerful homily at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 19. He called for prayers for peace, with a special plea to prevent the escalation of conflicts where “hell” could be unleashed, referencing recent threats in regions like Gaza and Ukraine. Nichols, who has led the Catholic Church in England and Wales since 2009, is known for his messages of solidarity, such as his letter to the Archbishop of Paris after the Notre-Dame fire in 2019.
Nichols’s homily reflects his long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes. In 2023, he called for prayers for peace in the Holy Land, condemning atrocities in Israel and Gaza. His 2025 message reinforces this commitment, aligning with Pope Francis, who urged fraternity in war-torn regions like Africa and Venezuela. Nichols has also been prominent in ecumenical efforts, collaborating with Anglican and other faith leaders, as seen at Charles III’s coronation, where he offered a blessing.
Nichols’s presence at the Easter Vigil drew thousands to Westminster Cathedral, with many praising his ability to connect spiritual themes with global issues. His homily was broadcast live, reaching an international audience seeking hope amid rising conflicts.
- Call for peace: Nichols urged prayers to prevent escalation of global conflicts.
- Easter Vigil: Homily delivered at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday.
- Global context: Message addressed wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and other regions.
- Ecumenical leadership: Nichols collaborates with Anglicans and other faiths for unity.
Absence of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Justin Welby’s resignation in November 2024 marked a crisis for the Church of England. Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury since 2013, stepped down after criticism for failing to report abuses by John Smyth, a lawyer who abused dozens of youths at Christian camps in the 1970s and 1980s. The 2024 revelation sparked outrage, with victims accusing Welby of negligence. His exit left the Anglican Church without a primary leader during Easter, one of the most significant periods in the liturgical calendar.
The selection process for a new Archbishop of Canterbury is underway, but the lack of an immediate successor placed Stephen Cottrell in the spotlight. Cottrell, also facing criticism over a separate abuse case, took on the Easter sermon but remains in a delicate position. The Church of England, representing about 26 million followers, faces challenges like secularization and declining public trust, making the choice of the next archbishop critical.
Welby’s absence also highlighted the stability provided by leaders like Nichols, whose Catholic leadership has been seen as a point of consistency. The collaboration between Anglicans and Catholics, evident in the Easter messages, offers hope amid turmoil, with both sides promoting peace and reconciliation.
The monarchy’s role in Easter
Charles III and Camilla’s participation in the Easter service underscores the monarchy’s role as a symbol of continuity and unity. Since his coronation, Charles has sought to broaden interfaith dialogue, as seen in the inclusion of Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish leaders in the 2023 ceremony. His Easter message, recorded in Durham, emphasized recognizing human kindness, even in times of crisis, and praised humanitarian organizations working in war zones.
The presence of other royals, such as the Duke of York, Andrew, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, also drew attention. Andrew, who faced controversy over links to an alleged Chinese spy, skipped events like the 2024 Christmas gathering at Sandringham, making his Windsor appearance notable. Princess Anne, known for her dedication to royal duties, engaged in a lengthy conversation with the Dean of Windsor, while James, Earl of Wessex, caught attention for his height, surpassing his father, Prince Edward.
The Easter service in Windsor, with its atmosphere of celebration and reflection, was a moment of connection between the monarchy and the public. Charles and Camilla’s interaction with the crowd, including the bouquet received by the queen, reinforced the image of an accessible monarchy, even amid personal and global challenges.
Global conflicts in focus
The Easter messages from Charles, Cottrell, and Nichols placed global conflicts at the heart of reflections. The war in Ukraine, which has killed over 200,000 people since 2022, continues to displace millions, with 6.5 million refugees registered by 2024. In Gaza, the conflict since October 2023 has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and 2 million displaced, according to UN estimates. Other regions, like Myanmar, where civil war intensified since 2021, and Sudan, with 15,000 deaths since 2023, were also cited as areas of crisis.
Cottrell emphasized the need to combat “greed” and division, pointing to global polarization as a barrier to peace. Nichols focused on the threat of escalation, urging prayers to avoid catastrophic scenarios. Charles praised humanitarian efforts, such as those of the Red Cross, which assisted 14 million people in 2024, and local organizations supporting refugees in countries like the UK.
These appeals reflect the severity of the global landscape in 2025, with conflicts affecting over 100 million people, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Easter, with its message of renewal, served as a moment for leaders to call for concrete actions, from prayers to support for peace initiatives.
Easter tradition in Windsor
The Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel is a centuries-old tradition, held in one of the monarchy’s most iconic venues. Built in the 15th century, the chapel is the resting place of kings and queens, including Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022. The ceremony, led by Dean Christopher Cocksworth, included traditional hymns and prayers celebrating Christ’s resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith.
The presence of the Royal Family, except for William and Kate, underscored the event’s significance as a moment of unity. The crowd, braving April’s chilly weather, showed support for the king, with many holding signs and British flags. Camilla’s interaction with a young girl who gave her a bouquet was among the most discussed moments, symbolizing the monarchy’s connection with younger generations.
Kate’s absence, following her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, was felt but understood by the public. Her choice to spend the holiday in Norfolk with her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, reflects the family’s focus on privacy during her recovery. The Easter in Windsor, thus, balanced tradition with adaptation to current circumstances.
Curiosities about the royal Easter
Easter 2025 brought unique moments for the monarchy and the British Church. Below are some curiosities about the event:
- Kate’s absence: The Princess of Wales opted for a private holiday in Norfolk, prioritizing her recovery.
- Camilla’s bouquet: A young girl offered flowers to the queen, a spontaneous gesture that charmed the crowd.
- James in focus: The 17-year-old Earl of Wessex stood out for his height, surpassing his father, Edward.
- Church crisis: Welby’s resignation left Easter without the traditional Canterbury sermon.
- Global plea: Charles, Cottrell, and Nichols united voices to call for peace in conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine.
These details highlight the complexity of Easter 2025, which blended celebration, reflection, and calls for a more peaceful world, led by figures like Charles III, Stephen Cottrell, and Vincent Nichols.
Easter 2025 was marked by messages of peace and unity in the United Kingdom, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla leading celebrations by attending the Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on April 20. Joined by members of the Royal Family, including the Duke of York, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the royal couple participated in the traditional Easter Matins service held in the 15th-century chapel in Windsor, Berkshire. The event, which drew crowds of admirers, highlighted the king’s resilience, as he continues cancer treatment while maintaining a public presence during a significant moment for the nation. Meanwhile, religious leaders such as the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, used their homilies to address escalating global conflicts, calling for prayers for peace in regions like Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These messages underscore the pursuit of solidarity in a world marked by division and violence.
Absent from the Windsor event, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, spent the holiday with their children in Norfolk, a decision reflecting the family’s privacy amid Kate’s recovery from cancer treatment diagnosed in 2024. The absence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, following Justin Welby’s resignation in November 2024 due to criticism over his handling of abuse cases, was also notable. Welby, who traditionally delivered the Easter sermon, was replaced by Cottrell, who used the opportunity to condemn the “madness” of a world that fosters hatred and greed. In his homily at the Easter Vigil, Nichols called for peace, expressing particular concern for those threatened by conflicts where “all hell” could be unleashed, echoing the king’s appeals for unity across different faiths and communities.
Charles III’s presence at the Easter service, just days after his Easter message, reinforces his commitment to interfaith harmony and humanitarian support. In his address on Maundy Thursday during the Royal Maundy service in Durham, the king highlighted the duality of humanity, capable of “great cruelty and great kindness,” and praised those offering aid in times of war and disaster. Easter, one of the most important moments in the Christian calendar, served as a platform for secular and religious leaders to unite their voices in calling for hope, reconciliation, and the cessation of conflicts affecting millions worldwide.
Highlights of the Easter celebration
The Easter service at St George’s Chapel was a moment of unity for the Royal Family, except for William and Kate, who opted for a private holiday. The gathered crowd greeted Charles and Camilla with “Happy Easter” wishes, and the queen received a bouquet from a young spectator, a gesture symbolizing the monarchy’s closeness to the people. The ceremony, led by the Dean of Windsor, Christopher Cocksworth, reinforced Christian values of renewal and hope, central themes of Easter.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, in his sermon at York Minster, drew attention to the need for peace in a “troubled” world. He listed specific regions, such as Israel and Gaza, where violence has caused widespread suffering, and criticized the global tendency to divide communities and foster hatred. Cottrell, facing pressure over his handling of abuse cases in the Church of England, used the homily to emphasize unity and compassion.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, delivered a powerful homily at the Easter Vigil on Saturday. He called for prayers for peace, with a special plea to prevent the escalation of conflicts where “hell” could be unleashed, referring to recent threats in regions like Gaza and Ukraine. His homily echoed global concerns, reinforcing the Catholic Church’s role as a voice for peace.
- Main event: Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, with Charles III and Camilla.
- Peace message: Cottrell and Nichols call for prayers for conflicts in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and more.
- Notable absences: Prince and Princess of Wales celebrated in Norfolk; Archbishop of Canterbury absent.
- Symbolic gestures: Queen Camilla received a bouquet from a young girl in the crowd.
Context of Easter 2025
Easter 2025 comes at a time of challenges for the Church of England and the British monarchy. The resignation of Justin Welby, following criticism for not reporting abuse cases by John Smyth, left the position of Archbishop of Canterbury vacant, with the selection process for a successor still ongoing. Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, took on the responsibility of leading the Easter message but also faces scrutiny over his handling of a separate abuse case, sparking debates about the credibility of Anglican leadership.
King Charles III, diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, has maintained a reduced public schedule, but his participation in the Easter service demonstrates his determination to fulfill ceremonial duties. Since the start of his reign in September 2022, Charles has emphasized the importance of unity across faiths, a recurring theme in his messages. His presence in Windsor, alongside Camilla and other royals, reinforces this vision, especially in a global context marked by conflicts and polarization.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who offered prayers for Charles’s recovery in 2024, continues to play a central role in the British Catholic Church. His Easter Vigil homily highlighted the urgency of peace, aligning with calls from global leaders like Pope Francis, who urged fraternity in war-torn regions. The collaboration between Anglican and Catholic leaders, evident in the Easter messages, reflects an ecumenical effort to address global challenges.
Charles III’s message
On Maundy Thursday, Charles III attended the Royal Maundy service in Durham, where he presented ceremonial coins to 75 men and 75 women, symbolizing his age and community service. In his recorded message, the king highlighted humanity’s capacity to balance cruelty with kindness, praising those working in humanitarian efforts during wars and disasters. He also emphasized the importance of unity across religions, a theme that has defined his reign since his coronation in May 2023, when leaders of various faiths, including Nichols, participated in the ceremony.
Charles’s message resonates with the global challenges of 2025, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, which will mark three years in February, and the conflict in Gaza, which has displaced millions since October 2023. The king, who visited communities affected by conflicts, such as Ukrainian and Syrian refugees in 2022, uses his platform to highlight humanitarian causes. His focus on kindness reflects an attempt to inspire hope in a fragmented world.
The Easter service in Windsor was an extension of this message, with Charles and Camilla engaging with the crowd in a gesture of closeness. The presence of royals like Princess Anne, who spoke at length with the Dean of Windsor, and the Duke of York, despite recent controversies, reinforced the image of continuity in the monarchy during turbulent times.
Stephen Cottrell’s role
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, took on the responsibility of delivering the Easter sermon at York Minster, a task traditionally reserved for the Archbishop of Canterbury. His homily was direct, addressing the “madness” of a world that promotes division and greed. He listed specific conflicts, such as Israel and Gaza, where over 40,000 people have died since 2023, and Ukraine, where the war has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Cottrell also criticized the tendency to “other” others, a practice he said fuels hatred and violence.
Cottrell’s leadership, however, is under scrutiny. In 2024, he faced calls to resign over his handling of an abuse case in the Church of England, separate from the scandal that led to Welby’s exit. Despite this, his Easter sermon was well-received by many, who praised its clarity in addressing global issues. The absence of a new Archbishop of Canterbury placed additional pressure on Cottrell, who has sought to maintain unity within the Anglican Church.
Cottrell’s homily also highlighted the Christian hope in the resurrection, a central Easter theme. He urged the faithful to pray for those affected by conflicts, emphasizing that faith can offer solace in times of crisis. His message aligned with those of other religious leaders, like Nichols, reinforcing ecumenical collaboration for peace.
Vincent Nichols’s voice
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, delivered a powerful homily at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 19. He called for prayers for peace, with a special plea to prevent the escalation of conflicts where “hell” could be unleashed, referencing recent threats in regions like Gaza and Ukraine. Nichols, who has led the Catholic Church in England and Wales since 2009, is known for his messages of solidarity, such as his letter to the Archbishop of Paris after the Notre-Dame fire in 2019.
Nichols’s homily reflects his long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes. In 2023, he called for prayers for peace in the Holy Land, condemning atrocities in Israel and Gaza. His 2025 message reinforces this commitment, aligning with Pope Francis, who urged fraternity in war-torn regions like Africa and Venezuela. Nichols has also been prominent in ecumenical efforts, collaborating with Anglican and other faith leaders, as seen at Charles III’s coronation, where he offered a blessing.
Nichols’s presence at the Easter Vigil drew thousands to Westminster Cathedral, with many praising his ability to connect spiritual themes with global issues. His homily was broadcast live, reaching an international audience seeking hope amid rising conflicts.
- Call for peace: Nichols urged prayers to prevent escalation of global conflicts.
- Easter Vigil: Homily delivered at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday.
- Global context: Message addressed wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and other regions.
- Ecumenical leadership: Nichols collaborates with Anglicans and other faiths for unity.
Absence of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Justin Welby’s resignation in November 2024 marked a crisis for the Church of England. Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury since 2013, stepped down after criticism for failing to report abuses by John Smyth, a lawyer who abused dozens of youths at Christian camps in the 1970s and 1980s. The 2024 revelation sparked outrage, with victims accusing Welby of negligence. His exit left the Anglican Church without a primary leader during Easter, one of the most significant periods in the liturgical calendar.
The selection process for a new Archbishop of Canterbury is underway, but the lack of an immediate successor placed Stephen Cottrell in the spotlight. Cottrell, also facing criticism over a separate abuse case, took on the Easter sermon but remains in a delicate position. The Church of England, representing about 26 million followers, faces challenges like secularization and declining public trust, making the choice of the next archbishop critical.
Welby’s absence also highlighted the stability provided by leaders like Nichols, whose Catholic leadership has been seen as a point of consistency. The collaboration between Anglicans and Catholics, evident in the Easter messages, offers hope amid turmoil, with both sides promoting peace and reconciliation.
The monarchy’s role in Easter
Charles III and Camilla’s participation in the Easter service underscores the monarchy’s role as a symbol of continuity and unity. Since his coronation, Charles has sought to broaden interfaith dialogue, as seen in the inclusion of Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish leaders in the 2023 ceremony. His Easter message, recorded in Durham, emphasized recognizing human kindness, even in times of crisis, and praised humanitarian organizations working in war zones.
The presence of other royals, such as the Duke of York, Andrew, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, also drew attention. Andrew, who faced controversy over links to an alleged Chinese spy, skipped events like the 2024 Christmas gathering at Sandringham, making his Windsor appearance notable. Princess Anne, known for her dedication to royal duties, engaged in a lengthy conversation with the Dean of Windsor, while James, Earl of Wessex, caught attention for his height, surpassing his father, Prince Edward.
The Easter service in Windsor, with its atmosphere of celebration and reflection, was a moment of connection between the monarchy and the public. Charles and Camilla’s interaction with the crowd, including the bouquet received by the queen, reinforced the image of an accessible monarchy, even amid personal and global challenges.
Global conflicts in focus
The Easter messages from Charles, Cottrell, and Nichols placed global conflicts at the heart of reflections. The war in Ukraine, which has killed over 200,000 people since 2022, continues to displace millions, with 6.5 million refugees registered by 2024. In Gaza, the conflict since October 2023 has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and 2 million displaced, according to UN estimates. Other regions, like Myanmar, where civil war intensified since 2021, and Sudan, with 15,000 deaths since 2023, were also cited as areas of crisis.
Cottrell emphasized the need to combat “greed” and division, pointing to global polarization as a barrier to peace. Nichols focused on the threat of escalation, urging prayers to avoid catastrophic scenarios. Charles praised humanitarian efforts, such as those of the Red Cross, which assisted 14 million people in 2024, and local organizations supporting refugees in countries like the UK.
These appeals reflect the severity of the global landscape in 2025, with conflicts affecting over 100 million people, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Easter, with its message of renewal, served as a moment for leaders to call for concrete actions, from prayers to support for peace initiatives.
Easter tradition in Windsor
The Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel is a centuries-old tradition, held in one of the monarchy’s most iconic venues. Built in the 15th century, the chapel is the resting place of kings and queens, including Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022. The ceremony, led by Dean Christopher Cocksworth, included traditional hymns and prayers celebrating Christ’s resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith.
The presence of the Royal Family, except for William and Kate, underscored the event’s significance as a moment of unity. The crowd, braving April’s chilly weather, showed support for the king, with many holding signs and British flags. Camilla’s interaction with a young girl who gave her a bouquet was among the most discussed moments, symbolizing the monarchy’s connection with younger generations.
Kate’s absence, following her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, was felt but understood by the public. Her choice to spend the holiday in Norfolk with her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, reflects the family’s focus on privacy during her recovery. The Easter in Windsor, thus, balanced tradition with adaptation to current circumstances.
Curiosities about the royal Easter
Easter 2025 brought unique moments for the monarchy and the British Church. Below are some curiosities about the event:
- Kate’s absence: The Princess of Wales opted for a private holiday in Norfolk, prioritizing her recovery.
- Camilla’s bouquet: A young girl offered flowers to the queen, a spontaneous gesture that charmed the crowd.
- James in focus: The 17-year-old Earl of Wessex stood out for his height, surpassing his father, Edward.
- Church crisis: Welby’s resignation left Easter without the traditional Canterbury sermon.
- Global plea: Charles, Cottrell, and Nichols united voices to call for peace in conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine.
These details highlight the complexity of Easter 2025, which blended celebration, reflection, and calls for a more peaceful world, led by figures like Charles III, Stephen Cottrell, and Vincent Nichols.
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