King Charles Skips Easter Message, Sparks Criticism
King Charles has faced criticism after Buckingham Palace confirmed he would not deliver an Easter message this year, a decision some commentators say has upset parts of the UK’s Christian community. The development comes during the royal family’s Easter weekend, when the monarch attended services at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and as public attention remained focused on how the King marks major faith occasions.
Fox News reported that royal commentators said the absence of a message was viewed more sharply because the King shared a “blessed and happy Ramadan” greeting on social media earlier in the year and made video contributions for Eid and Ramadan.
According to the report, Buckingham Palace told GB News that an Easter message from the monarch is not an annual tradition in the way the Christmas broadcast is. Royal expert Mr Richard Fitzwilliams was quoted saying there has never been a tradition of an Easter message, noting Queen Elizabeth II issued one during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the King delivered messages for Easter and Royal Maundy in recent years.
Elsewhere, the royal family’s official Instagram account posted an Easter greeting, while the King continued with the annual Royal Maundy tradition, in which specially minted coins are distributed to recognise service to communities. The broader Easter weekend has included appearances by senior royals, including when Princess Kate curtsied to King Charles at Easter during the public events around the service.
The debate highlights the sensitivities around the monarch’s role as head of the Church of England and how the Palace balances traditional Christian observances with the King’s long-standing interest in interfaith engagement.
