Why King Charles Will Sit 'Apart' From Royal Family at Easter Service

King Charles

Things will look a little different for King Charles III at this year's Easter celebrations.

The 75-year-old monarch will apparently be seated "apart" from the rest of the congregation during the royal family's annual Easter service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor on Sunday, March 31, The Telegraph reports. He will also reportedly skip out on a reception after the service and will not host a private family Easter lunch.

The decision was reportedly made in the interest of the king's health, as he is still undergoing cancer treatments. According to The Telegraph, the changes have been described as "gentle steps" to slowly get Charles back to his usual public duties amid the illness.

The king will be seated next to Queen Camilla but kept apart from the rest of the congregation in what is being considered an "acceptable environment" in light of his current condition.

A palace source told the U.K. publication that Charles' expected appearance at the Easter services marks a "sign of things turning in the right direction," in terms of his health. The king hasn't attended a public event outside of Buckingham Palace since he announced his cancer diagnosis in February.

But even as the king makes his way back to public life, the same can't be said for Kate Middleton, who recently announced her own cancer diagnosis in a personal video message shared last week.

The Princess of Wales—who said she already started chemotherapy treatment—asked for privacy while she and Prince William navigate the situation with their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.

As a result of her current condition, Kate is not expected to make an appearance at Sunday's Easter service.

Next: Queen Camilla Fills in for King Charles at Traditional Ceremony in a Royal First