For the Royal family, Easter has long been an opportunity to usher in spring with seasonal hues and statement millinery, leaving behind winter’s gloomier palette in favour of uplifting pastels.

This year has proved no exception. King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by other members of the family at the Easter Matins Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and all received the Sunday best memo, with some subtle messages behind the stylish ensembles.

Notably absent were the Prince and Princess of Wales, seemingly confirming reports that they would spend Easter at home in Norfolk with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. This marks the second year that the Waleses have missed the Easter service; last year, they did not attend due to the Princess’s cancer diagnosis.

For this year’s service, Queen Camilla chose a classic Easter pastel in the form of a powder blue dress from Fiona Clare Couture, one of her go-to designers. The dress, which she has worn on a number of previous occasions, features ornate embroidery along the collar, front placket and cuffs. The delicate detail includes floral and leaf-covered vine motifs, striking the perfect mood for this spring occasion. A familiar Art Deco-style brooch also referenced Easter with its central moonstone, a gem said to symbolise new beginnings.

Her co-ordinating rose-adorned hat was by Philip Treacy, a fitting choice given that Charles and Camilla have recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of their wedding, for which Treacy created a headpiece in lieu of a veil. Camilla finished the look with a Bottega Veneta bag in ecru and matching leather gloves, the latter echoing an ensemble she wore for the Sovereign’s Garden Party at Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2024.

The King also donned blue for the occasion, in a navy checked suit with a tie (which appears to be decorated with small castles) and pocket square in lighter shades of the hue. While green, a shade of renewal and hope, is a popular choice for the Royal family at Easter – indeed, Camilla wore her forest green Anna Valentine dress for the Maundy Thursday service that took place in Durham Cathedral earlier this week – blue also sends a subtle signal.

“Colour affects both the wearer and the viewer, so it can really make a difference,” says stylist Anna Berkeley. “While green signifies regrowth, blue is trustworthy – hence its continued use in uniforms.”

The Princess Royal opted for something between the two shades in a familiar favourite ensemble in shades of teal. Princess Anne is known for her thrifty and environmentally conscious commitment to rewearing outfits, and this year’s Easter ensemble proved no exception. Her elegant patterned coat dress paired with a jaunty hat is a combination fans have seen many times since 2012, including multiple times at the Cheltenham Festival.

Princess Beatrice, who arrived with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, also followed Easter tradition in an emerald green dress from royal favourite British brand Beulah London. She’s worn the flattering “Ahana Chambre” crepe midi dress before on various occasions, but this time she smartened it up with matching green satin Mary Jane heels by Emilia Wickstead, a black Chanel mini flap bag and a gold and black “Halo” headband by Justine Bradley-Hill Millinery.

A slightly more unexpected – but equally elegant – colour choice came from other senior members of the Royal family: white. The Duchess of York channelled Chanel in a black and white tailored jacquard jacket from Veronica Beard, an American brand she has previously worn to Royal Ascot. She also amped up the designer fashion with a Teen Garance bag and glossy black calfskin slingbacks by Celine. Meanwhile, her daughter Princess Eugenie opted for a white belted trench coat from Reiss and veiled hat by Emily-London headwear, and the Duchess of Edinburgh appeared to be wearing white beneath a burgundy coat by Maison Alaïa.

White is, in fact, a traditional Easter colour, symbolising purity, grace and, for some Christians, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In that sense, it’s hard to think of a more fitting shade for this significant religious occasion.