Kate Middleton and Prince William Skip the Royal Family’s Easter Outing Following Cancer Announcement

As expected, Kate Middleton did not attend Easter church services with the royal family on March 31. And while King Charles just made is his first major public appearance since starting his own cancer treatments, Prince William reportedly opted to celebrate the holiday with his wife and three children.

According to People, The Prince and Princess of Wales are “spending the weekend privately at home” with Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. In recent months, Prince William reportedly stepped up his public appearances as his father underwent treatment and the internet speculated about his wife’s health and whereabouts.

After Kate Middleton announced her own cancer diagnosis in March, a source told People that Prince William is “focused on ensuring his wife has the privacy she needs to fully recover and that his children are shielded from the understandable interest in the news that has been shared.” The source continued, “William is extremely proud of his wife for the courage and strength she has shown not just this week but since her surgery in January.”

Kate Middleton’s months long absence from the public eye sparked a plethora of conspiracy theories until the princess shared a personal video message on March 22. “In January I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time it was thought that my condition was noncancerous,” she said. “The surgery was successful; however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I’m now in the early stages of that treatment.

At the time, the Princess of Wales asked for “time, space, and privacy” for her family as she completes her treatment. “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body, and spirits,” she said. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support, and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”