Queen Camilla, representing King Charles, presided over the royal family and dignitaries from various nations during the service at Windsor Castle.
Prince William is notably absent from a ceremony honoring his godfather, King Constantine of Greece.
The Prince of Wales, aged 41, withdrew from the Thanksgiving service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on Tuesday due to personal reasons, according to sources familiar with the matter.
William was expected to attend the service without his wife, Kate Middleton, 42, who is currently recuperating at Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate following recent abdominal surgery. Kate, who underwent the procedure on January 16, is reportedly progressing well and is anticipated to resume public duties after Easter.
Ahead of the event, William informed the royal family of his inability to attend. Queen Camilla took charge of the proceedings on behalf of her husband, King Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment and has scaled back his public engagements. The Queen was joined by family members, close associates, and dignitaries from various nations at the service. Among the attendees were Queen Anne-Marie, widow of King Constantine, and their son Crown Prince Pavlos with his wife, Crown Princess Marie-Chantal.
Prince William himself serves as a godfather to one of Prince Pavlos’ children, highlighting the close ties between the British and Greek royal families. King Constantine, a close friend of both King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth, ascended the throne at the age of 23 in 1964 and was renowned as an Olympic gold medalist in sailing. Following the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1973, Constantine lived in exile in Britain until his return to Greece in 2013.
After battling chronic health issues, Constantine passed away in Athens on January 10, 2023. Prince William was notably absent from the late King’s funeral, instead selecting his relative Lady Gabriella Windsor to represent him. At the ceremony, Princess Anne stood in for King Charles, adhering to the customary practice of sending relatives or close associates to funerals on behalf of senior royals.
The funeral was attended by several royals from around the world, including Prince Albert of Monaco, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, among others.