Royal Family Gears Up for First Easter Without Queen Elizabeth II

The royal family is preparing to celebrate their first Easter without Queen Elizabeth II, and they are determined to present a united front during the upcoming bank holiday weekend.

As they gather for Easter lunch, all eyes will be on Catherine, Princess of Wales, as she steps up to her new role.

According to a royal expert, King Charles III is expected to relax a strict table rule, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.

Catherine's new role within the royal family has been a topic of much discussion, and it is believed that she will have a more prominent position during Easter lunch.

This presents an opportunity for her to show support for the new king and showcase her leadership skills.

Additionally, she is expected to utilize her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, such as mental health, education, and the arts.

Royal expert Ingrid Steward predicts a significant reunion over the bank holiday weekend, as the royals face their first Easter without the late Queen and commemorate the second anniversary of Prince Philip's passing on Sunday.

Steward believes that this gathering will serve as a moment for everyone to come together before the king's coronation, with the exception of Prince Harry, Meghan, and their two children, who reside in the United States.

Traditionally, the royal family observes Good Friday by indulging in a fish feast.

On Sundays, they attend church at St George's Chapel before returning home for a lavish four-course roast.

However, Steward suggests that King Charles might relax one particular rule previously imposed by the late Queen.

She explains, “They will all have dinner together, but not the young children.

They will eat in the nursery dining room.

The Queen always said until they could hold a knife and fork properly, they could not eat at the table.

But Charles might have relaxed that rule a bit.”

Steward also anticipates that Catherine will take on a role in organizing activities for the children.

“Catherine is a great organizer and will almost certainly arrange an Easter egg hunt.

They can also visit the Royal Mews to see the horses and enjoy the indoor swimming pool and ponies for riding,” she says.

In previous years, the late Queen would invite her loved ones to the palace for the long Easter weekend, where they would spend quality time together and savor delicious cuisine.

Darren McGrady, a former royal chef, has shared some insights into the preparations for Easter dinner during the late Queen's reign.

He reveals that meals during the Easter weekend were extravagant affairs, featuring a variety of delectable dishes.

Every Friday night, the family would enjoy a traditional fish dinner, while Sundays were reserved for a sumptuous four-course roast supper after attending church.

McGrady elaborates on the main course, stating, “We'd go straight into the main course, a traditional roast lamb with seasonal vegetables.”

He also mentions a compound salad served in a kidney dish attached to the plate, consisting of lettuce, cucumber, mint, grated carrot, and coriander.

The Queen had a particular fondness for freshly made Windsor cheese, which was produced at the Windsor Dairy and often enjoyed during lunch.

The Easter gathering this year holds special significance as it occurs less than a month before King Charles's coronation on May 6th.

During the customary ceremony at Westminster Abbey, Camilla will also be anointed as Queen Consort.

Almost the entire royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will be in attendance.

As the royal family comes together to mark this significant occasion, they aim to demonstrate unity and support for their future king.