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Queen Camilla attended a pre-Easter service without King Charles III on Thursday as he battles cancer.
Camilla, 76, went stag to the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral in England while Charles, 75, appeared via a prerecorded video message.
The queen appeared to be in high spirits and flashed a big smile outside of the church as she stepped in to conduct her royal responsibilities.
Camilla attended the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral in England on Thursday. UK Press via Getty Images She appeared to be in good form and smiled outside the service. WireImageCamilla looked chic in a long, cream-colored wool coat adorned with two gold and blue flower broaches on its collar.
She rocked a brown fur bucket hat that paired nicely with her suede boots and coordinating pocketbook. She also kept warm in black leather gloves and accessorized with large diamond earrings set in gold.
Charles gave an optimistic speech in his virtual appearance, telling churchgoers about the importance of friendship.
She wore a cream coat and brown fur hat for the occasion. UK Press via Getty Images Charles gave a speech in a prerecorded message for the service. AP“We need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need,” the king said while seated behind his desk wearing a blue suit.
Charles’ words seemed to reference his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton’s recent cancer diagnosis that shocked the world earlier this month.
Camilla has stepped up to the plate as her husband takes a back seat to receive medical treatment for his condition.
He preached about the importance of friendship. Getty Images The British sovereign announced his cancer diagnosis in February. AFP via Getty ImagesCharles announced on Feb. 5 that he had been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer after undergoing surgery for a benign prostate enlargement.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement at the time.
“Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
The reigning monarch was diagnosed after undergoing an unrelated procedure. Getty Images Kate Middleton announced her own cancer diagnosis last week. Getty ImagesPalace officials said Charles feels “wholly positive” about his treatment and is eager to return to his public duties “as soon as possible.”
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How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle metPrince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship timelineRoyal family tree and line of succession“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” the statement concluded.
Charles reportedly met with Middleton before she announced the shocking news. Getty Images Charles has continued to conduct his royal duties amid his diagnosis. WireImageWant more celebrity and pop culture news?
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Perhaps he inspired the Princess of Wales, who came forward with her own cancer diagnosis last week.
She reportedly met with her father-in-law to discuss their mutual condition before making her announcement to the world.
Middleton said she has support from her husband, Prince William, and that the couple had waited to announce her diagnosis publicly until their three kids — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — were brought up to speed.
Middleton is expected to return to her in-person duties after Easter. Getty Images The Princess of Wales has been leaning on Prince William amid her cancer battle. Samir Hussein/WireImageThe future queen’s cancer news comes after months of speculation about her whereabouts after she remained out of the spotlight following an abdominal procedure in January.
Middleton’s spokesperson told Page Six that she is expected to return to her in-person royal duties after Easter Sunday.
It is unclear when the king will return to his regularly scheduled programming, though he was already back to conducting in-person royal duties from home in Buckingham Palace just weeks after revealing his cancer battle.