William and Kate ditch royal Easter tradition but Pope death set to wreck their private getaway plans

Prince William and Kate Middleton skipped the traditional Easter Matins Service at Windsor Castle this year. Instead of joining King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the rest of the royal family at St. George’s Chapel on Sunday, April 20, the Prince and Princess of Wales opted for a low-key family Easter celebration with their three children in Norfolk.

The future king and queen attended a quieter service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham with Middleton’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. According to Hello! magazine, the decision to attend the service in Sandringham most likely stemmed from the proximity of the church to Anmer Hall, where they are staying during their children’s school break.

The couple’s choice to spend Easter away from the royal fold isn’t unprecedented. In 2024, they did not attend since Middleton was battling cancer. The mother of three also hasn’t prioritized spending them with the Windsors, as she’s only attended five royal Easter services since tying the knot with Prince William. On the other hand, the heir has mostly followed the tradition since he was a child. Things only changed when he married Middleton.

Despite becoming part of the royal fold, Middleton has made it clear that her side of the family is just as important. This has caused her and Prince William to occasionally skip some of the royal festivities from time to time. Back in 2016, the royal couple chose to join the Christmas service near Kate’s childhood home in Bucklebury with the Middletons, according to People.

Pope’s death cuts royal Easter celebration short

Unfortunately, their hopes of a relaxed holiday weekend ended early with the shocking morning announcement of Pope Francis’s death at age 88. As tributes from world leaders poured in, King Charles issued a statement praising the late pontiff’s compassion and commitment to unity. “We were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month,” the King said, referencing a private audience he and Queen Camilla had at the Vatican in early April. “We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve…”

Also paying her respects was Sarah Ferguson, who shared a heartfelt post on social media, in which she called Pope Francis a “[perfect] example of total humility in kindness and compassion.” Fergie, along with Prince Andrew and their daughters, attended the Windsor Easter service in what turned out to be a more somber royal gathering than expected.

Meanwhile, despite staying silent so far, royal watchers are betting the Prince of Wales will be the one tapped to attend Pope Francis’s funeral. “Officials also waiting to learn of the Pope’s funeral intentions and if Heads of States or their representatives (most likely Prince William) will be invited,” The Mail’s Rebecca English wrote on X, formerly Twitter, following the news of the pope’s passing.

A senior royal figure is expected to represent the Crown at the funeral — and all signs point to Prince William. The heir recently traveled to Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, suggesting that he’s already stepping into big international shoes in preparation for his future role as king.