Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is seen enjoying a solo carriage ride at Windsor Castle on Good Friday
After a busy schedule of public engagements in recent weeks, the Duchess of Edinburgh was seen enjoying one of her favourite pursuits as the Easter weekend begins.
The 59-year-old royal, who has increasingly been seen performing public duties as King Charles and the Princess of Wales both under go treatment for cancer, was spotted holding the reins of a single horse-drawn carriage in the grounds of Windsor Castle this morning.
Taking an aide along for the ride, the Duchess looked accomplished at the sport that her whole family enjoys, particularly her 20-year-old daughter Lady Louise.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, accompanied by an aide, is pictured at Windsor Castle on Friday taking a solo carriage ride
The Edinburgh’s are accomplished riders, with Sophie and Lady Louise, 20, particularly enjoying the rural pursuit
The wife of Prince Edward was wearing a waxed riding coat as she negotiated the Windsor trail, with hopes of some Easter sunshine dashed by grey clouds over Berkshire.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are likely to be amongst the few royals joining the King and Queen on Easter Sunday at church in Windsor.
His Majesty will lead a smaller than normal family party for the Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel given the absence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family.
Last week, Kate revealed that cancer had been detected following her abdominal surgery in January, and that she’s under going a course of chemotherapy.
In a pre-recorded address to those attending Thursday’s annual Maundy Service, King Charles emphasised the importance of extending a hand of friendship to those in need, as a new portrait of the monarch was released
Every Thursday before Easter Sunday the sovereign hands out gifts of coins equivalent to their age to pensioners who have contributed to their church and community – this year, Queen Camilla carried out the role on behalf of her husband
It will be the King’s most significant public appearance since his cancer diagnosis in early February.
After being advised by doctors not to undertake public engagements with large numbers of people while under going treatment, His Majesty decided to record a special audio message to be played at Thursday’s annual Maundy Service.
Held this year at Worcester Cathedral, it is one of the most significant set-piece events in the royal calendar each year and held huge spiritual significance for Queen Elizabeth.
In his address, King Charles emphasised the importance of extending the hand of friendship to others less fortunate.
His Majesty told the service the Lord Jesus set us an ‘example of how we should serve and care for each other’.
Still working: King Charles appeared cheerful and chipper on Wednesday as carried on with his ‘business as usual’ outlook amid his battle with cancer. Pictured: Charles meeting Mohamed Nasheed, Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum
King Charles’ daughter-in-law Kate Middleton is also battling cancer; his address for Thursday’s annual Maundy Service urged people to ‘extend the hand of friendship to those in need’
He went on to emphasise how, as a nation, ‘we benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need’.
A new portrait was released to accompany the message, showing the King looking relaxed and in good spirits, with a posy of spring flowers next to him, despite his personal ordeal.
