Here's What Kate Middleton Was Really Doing on Easter

For many, Easter is that once-a-year moment when far-flung family members reunite at Grandma and Grandpa’s for food, church and a lot of catching up. And traditionally, that’s not too different from how the royal family marks the holiday. But this year, the Prince and Princess of Wales decided to do things a little differently.

Kate Middleton, Prince William and their three kids—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6—opted for a quieter celebration in Norfolk, where the family owns a country home. According to Hello! Magazine, they attended the 11 a.m. Easter Sunday service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in the village of Sandringham. Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, reportedly joined them, making it a more intimate family affair.

While skipping the more formal Windsor Castle and St George's Chapel service might seem like a break from royal tradition, it’s not exactly new. This is actually the second year the Wales family has chosen to celebrate away from Windsor. Last year’s Easter came just weeks after Kate publicly shared her cancer diagnosis—understandably prompting a more low-key observance.

Meanwhile, other senior royals, including King Charles, were seen attending the service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. Ahead of the weekend, the King shared an emotional Easter message with the public.