King Charles Has Surprise Walkabout After Sitting Apart from Royal Family at Easter Service amid Treatment

Based on medical advice, the couple also skipped the usual post-service events following his cancer diagnosis

King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, attended Easter Sunday church service at St. George’s Chapel, sitting apart from the rest of the royal family and attendees as a precaution due to his ongoing cancer treatment.

Following medical advice, the couple also opted out of the customary post-service events, including a reception and a private family lunch. However, the King briefly greeted members of the public gathered outside the church, shaking hands and sharing Easter wishes.

The scaled-down observance underscores the seriousness of the King’s health condition but also signals a positive move forward as the King is said to be “progressing well” in his treatment, a source close to the royal household says.

The royal source adds, “He is positive, the doctors are optimistic.”

Charles and Camilla were joined at the service by Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Among those notably absent were Kate Middleton, Prince William and their children — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — who did not attend following Kate’s recent public announcement of her cancer diagnosis.

Last week, Buckingham Palace announced Charles’ intention to attend the service, dispelling speculation surrounding his attendance. The confirmation followed reports of the sovereign’s desire to partake in the holiday church service, expected to be scaled down. In light of his cancer treatment, doctors have advised the King to minimize contact with others, as announced by the palace on February 5.

While refraining from public engagements, the monarch remains active behind the scenes, conducting small audiences at Buckingham Palace.

The King’s team is said to be thinking about a summer schedule for the monarch amid “amplified confidence” in light of the treatment he is receiving, a royal source tells PEOPLE.

“There could be a slow increase of numbers of people they are able to meet indoors,” the source adds.

A second source shared that King Charles’ team is “planning as usual.”

“One thing that has been wholly undiminished is his appetite for work,” the royal source added.