King Charles 'enormously' enjoyed first steps back into public life at Easter service, offering his trademark 'gestures of humour' to well-wishers - while Queen Camilla cast 'no anxious glances' towards His Majesty, claims body language expert

The King's body language as he attended the Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel Windsor this morning showed he was delighted to be back in the company of his people, claims a leading body language expert. 

The monarch displayed many of his trademark expressions, present throughout his royal life, during his first formal outing since his cancer diagnosis, including his 'comedy mouth' and pointing gestures.

Expert Judi James told MailOnline that there was also a reluctance to leave the gathered well-wishers and go into church, with the 75-year-old monarch offering a lingering four waves before he finally walked into the royal church just before 10.45am this morning. 

With Queen Camilla by his side - displaying her own 'relaxed' body language - King Charles was clearly having fun.  

James explained: 'Charles looked as though he was enjoying himself enormously, back with his loyal fans and partly back at work again. 

A monarch having fun: King Charles' body language was upbeat and showing all his usual 'gestures of humour' at St George's Chapel in Windsor this morning, in spite of his health problems in recent months, said body language expert Judi James

'His cheeks were lifted and rounded and he displayed his signature gestures and signals of good humour, pulling a comedy mouth shape at the hosts before turning to engage in what looked like some banter with the crowds.'

The expert also picked up on 'a fluttering wave of affection before pointing and joking with his brows raised in recognition' as he saw the dozens of people who'd gathered in Windsor to greet him on Easter Sunday. 

She said: 'This was no swift wave and disappear, the four waves before he stepped inside suggested some reluctance to step out of the spotlight again.'

The 75-year-old appeared in high spirits as he made a 'gentle' return to public life in his most significant appearance since being diagnosed with cancer. 

The monarch was seen smiling and waving at well-wishers as he arrived in his maroon state Bentley limousine for the service being held at St George's Chapel.  

'Comedy mouth': Throughout his royal life, Charles has pulled comedic faces as he's playfully interacted with royal fans, and today was no different, James said

That's the King we know! Charles points at a well-wisher in the crowd. Right: A lingering wave: King Charles waved four times before entering St George's Chapel for the Easter service, suggesting he wanted a little more time to engage with the crowds

Camilla looked relaxed and reassured, said James, suggesting a positive outlook, with 'no anxious glances' at her husband

Body language expert James suggested that Camilla didn't need to look out too much for her husband today, saying: ' she did not seem to be on any form of nursing duty'

Despite doctors' concerns over the King being at risk of greater infection because of his cancer diagnosis, the Monarch extended a hand to those who'd made the effort to see him today

The King seemed happy to press the flesh on Easter Sunday; a Maundy Thursday address earlier in the week saw the King urge people to 'extend a hand of friendship' to those in need

And Queen Camilla was on equally sparkling form, says James. 'Camilla did not seem to be on any form of nursing duty, with no anxious glances at her husband. 

'The smile and wave she performed offered similar signals of reassurance and even some pride that Charles is easing back into public life again.' 

Despite the boost to public morale, however, the Royal Family's Easter service looks markedly different to previous years.

Last year, during his first Easter Service as King, Charles led the Firm - including William, Kate and their children - on foot into the service, while this year he arrived by car to shield him from infection during his treatment - as per doctor's orders.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were not in attendance this morning as they continue to recuperate in private after Kate shocked the world with her cancer diagnosis. 

Last week, the Princess revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing preventative chemotherapy. Shortly after, Kensington Palace confirmed that the Waleses would not be attending church on Easter Sunday. 

The King and Queen wave as they arrive at St George's Chapel in Windsor - their body language suggests the pair are enjoying reconnecting with the public together 

The 75-year-old was in high spirits this morning, smiling and waving at well-wishers as he arrived in his maroon state Bentley limousine for the service being held at St George's Chapel

Departure: King Charles was in high spirits as he shook hands with dozens of people who had lined up outside St George's Chapel to greet him

One royal fan leaned over to tell Charles: 'Happy Easter your Majesty - keep going strong and never give in'

Meanwhile, Princess Anne and the other royals in attendance also showed 'their resilience' in the face of the ongoing health woes for the King and the Princess of Wales, said James, with broad smiles seen on the Princess Royal as she arrived at the service

If the Princess Royal and her husband Timothy Laurence often look reserved during public outings, the couple appeared to enjoy a laugh and a joke as they arrived at church this morning

In the absence of Prince William, the Royal Family were instead led into the chapel by Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah, the Duchess of York

The senior royals, who remained slightly separated from Charles and Camilla - because of the King's health concerns - lingered to chat after the service (Pictured: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson with Princess Anne as they leave after attending the Easter Matins Service)

Prince Andrew was back in the spotlight today - ahead of the release of Scoop next week - as he led the senior royals, and spent several minutes chatting to his sister Princess Anne at the service's end (Pictured: Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence)

Sarah Ferguson, who has undergone her own cancer battles in recent months, wore a green boucle dress and decorated headband for the occasion 

The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth shakes the hand of Princess Anne outside St George's Chapel

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and their son James, Earl of Wessex are pictured waiting to go into St George's Chapel this morning, as Sarah Ferguson chats to The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, with the Princess Royal and Tim Laurence looking on

James, Earl of Wessex, now 16, cut a lofty figure at the service, almost matching his father Prince Edward for height. Right Sophie and Edward are all smiles as they enter St George's Chapel

Well-wishers were seen stood outside the chapel this morning as the awaited the King's arrival, holding balloons that read 'get well soon' as well as 'happy Easter'

Those gathered in Windsor were clearly missing the Prince and Princess of Wales, with plenty of well-wishers offering their support for the couple

Hoping for a glimpse: Hundreds of people gathered in Windsor to spot the royals on Easter Sunday earlier today

Instead the couple will instead be spending their children's Easter holidays at Amner Hall - their country home - where they 'will close off from the world and move on'.

Following Kate's emotional video last Friday, the King said he was 'so proud' of the princess for her courage in speaking out, and is said to be in 'the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law'. 

The smaller-than-normal royal party arrived in two Range Rovers. The first one contained the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, with their son, James, Earl of Wessex, while the second had the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of York.

The royal family were then led into the chapel by Prince Andrew. 

Body language expert James says there was a general message of resilience in the expressions of senior royals. 

'The royal body language message here is clearly one of resilience, unity and upbeat strength. 

'Princess Anne and her husband Tim set the mood-music as they stepped out of their car. The couple rarely indulge in an chatting or joking in public but this time they did. Anne grinned at Tim as she emerged and he even turned to smile at the fans.

'Anne's wave and her warm, connecting smile at the crowd seemed to signal thankfulness and even some reassuring relief, although there was one very strong 'tell' that suggested how she and Edward might feel they are stepping up to help protect the Firm and even their brother right now.

The Princess Royal's positive body language continued, James said. 

'As Anne walked to greet the clergy she clasped her hands very firmly behind her back despite the fact it left her handbag swinging from the clasp. 

'Edward mirrored the hand clasp, which was a signature gesture of their father's. The hint being that they are both stepping up to offer the same kind of strength and even protection that their father offered their mother throughout her reign.'

The Queen was wearing a green cost dress by Anna Valentine and a hat by Philip Treacey with an emerald and diamond brooch belonging to Queen Elizabeth

Sarah, Duchess of York attends the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on March 31

Many of the senior-royals appeared to co-ordinate their outfits at the traditional service, with Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and Sarah Ferguson all looking elegant in green. 

The Queen was wearing a green cost dress by Anna Valentine and a hat by Philip Treacey with an emerald and diamond brooch belonging to Queen Elizabeth.

Sophie opted for a vibrant violet tailored blazer jacket, adorned with bright gold buttons, and paired the coat with an amethyst crocodile print clutch bag and a stylish white beret, which she perched on the side of her head. 

Prince Edward looked in high spirits as he greeted members of the clergy with his wife and was dressed in a dapper suit which he paired with black polished shoes. 

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh also brought their 16-year-old son, James, Earl of Wessex along to Windsor Castle today. 

Royal fans expressed their shock over how much the teenager had grown in height over the years, as he towered over his mother and was almost the same height as his father, who is thought to be 6ft tall. 

During the service, the King in the Sovereign's Seat, which was situated near to the front of the alter while his family took their usual places in the stalls. 

Well-wishers were seen stood outside the chapel this morning as the awaited the King's arrival, holding balloons that read 'get well soon' as well as 'happy Easter'. 

Two royal fans, draped in the Union Jack and Welsh flag, clutched onto life-size cut outs of the King and Princess of Wales as they awaited the monarchs arrival. 

Anne Daley, 65, from Cardiff, Wales, held up a Welsh flag when the King arrived said: 'Did you see the smile (Charles) gave me? He pointed at my flag. He had a lovely smile. He looked well. I think he was happy that we've all come.'

She added: 'I wanted to show my support for King Charles and the Princess of Wales who we are all wishing well. 

'We want to show them that we miss them, Wales misses her. She may not be here but she is not forgotten.' 

The Easter Matins Service - as it is officially known - continued until 11.45am. 

Prince Andrew led the royal family into the service. This follows royal protocol - despite Prince Edward having been endorsed as the leading figure during Charles' treatment.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive at the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle 

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to attend the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

James looked smart, opting for a navy suit which he paired with a light blue tie and a crisp white shirt, along with black polished shoes

The royal was pictured standing next to his father Prince Edward, 60, who is thought to be around 6ft tall

Well-wishers were seen stood outside the chapel this morning as the awaited the King's arrival, holding balloons that read 'get well soon' as well as 'happy Easter'

King Charles III during the recording of the The King's audio message which was played at the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday

2023 - King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Princess Anne and Prince Andrew as they attend the Easter Matins Service in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 9 last year

The Prince and Princess of Wales with George, Charlotte and Louis at the Easter Matins Service at St George's Chapel on April 9, 2023

'In the absence of Prince William, his brother Prince Harry, and their children, Andrew has precedence as eighth in line to the throne, despite the dark clouds that gather over his head as a result of his ill-judged friendship with the late, unlamented serial child abuser Jeffrey Epstein,' royal expert Michael Colet told the Sunday paper.

'The King is a man of faith and Easter has always been of great importance to him.

'He was determined to attend St George's Chapel, leading the Royal Family in the celebration of Christ's resurrection, the most significant date in the Christian calendar.'

Charles and Camilla will not attend a reception or host a private family lunch as per their doctors' orders, the Sunday Express reported last night. 

This is to make sure the monarch does not come into close contact with any potential infection.  

Aides have reportedly said that His Majesty's attendance at any event is 'to be hoped for and planned for rather than assumed', as he continues to focus on his health.

Meanwhile a palace source told the Telegraph the King's attendance is a 'sign of things heading in the right direction'. 

The King has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February after he had an operation for an enlarged prostate at the London Clinic.

While the monarch stepped back from public-facing duties as he continues to undergo his treatment, he has still been carrying out low-key official duties behind the palace walls.  

William is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break.

For now, he will continue to balance supporting his wife and family, and maintaining his official duties as he has done since her operation in January.

King Charles attends an audience in the Billiard Room at Buckingham Palace with the trustee of Windsor Leadership and Director of the Contemplative Spaces Vijaya Nath on March 26

It is not known how long Kate will be receiving treatment but it is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.

The King and Princess' recent cancer diagnoses have laid bare Charles' stripped back monarchy.

Queen Camilla stood in for the King at the ancient Royal Maundy ceremony in Worcester earlier this week, marking the first time a consort has performed the duty on behalf of the monarch.

Maundy recipients and members of the public gave their well wishes to the King and the Princess of Wales as they met the Queen, who handed out ceremonial coins to people recognised for their community service in the traditional Easter service. 

While her arrival was dampened by the shouts of Republic protestors, who had gathered outside the cathedral and loudly chanted 'Down with the Crown', the rest of the ceremony proceeded as planned.

Camilla was presented with a small bouquet of flowers, traditionally called the Nosegay, which, on request of the King, had been made by local volunteers who had picked the flowers from their garden. 

King Charles speaks with Chief Executive of The Prince's Trust Martina Milburn as he attends an audience in the Billiard Room at Buckingham Palace on March 26

The Ambassador of Moldova, Ruslan Bolbocean presents his credentials to King Charles III on March 28

In a spectacle of tradition and pageantry, Camilla then began the Maundy ritual - usually conducted by the monarch - of handing out specially minted coins to 75 men and 75 women, the number reflecting the age of the King. 

Bishop John Inge then gave a blessing to the King in which he said he hoped Camilla would 'convey to him our love and respects'. 

In Charles's speech, there was no mention of family health matters - his own cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as that of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales.

Instead, the King stressed the importance of acts of friendship 'especially in a time of need' in the personal Easter message.

Charles' pre-recorded audio - his first public words since Kate revealed she was undergoing chemotherapy - was broadcast in his absence.

He said how Jesus Christ set an 'example of how we should serve and care for each other', and how as a nation 'we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need'.

While the King did not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law's health, his words will be interpreted as reflecting on the nation's response to his and Kate's challenges as they continue treatment for cancer.

The Princess released an emotional video message last Friday revealing she has started a course of preventative chemotherapy.

He held onto his mother's hand and glanced seriously at the waiting media, while the Princess offered a brief smile and a greeting

She later was said to be 'extremely moved' by the public support following her announcement.

The King told last month how he had been reduced to tears by the messages and cards of support he received from well-wishers.

Charles, who only acceded to the throne 18 months ago, also reamplified his Coronation pledge 'not to be served but to serve'.

He has recorded a Bible reading and, in his brief personal message, will describe the Maundy money recipients as 'wonderful examples of such kindness' in 'giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities'.

He will also re-amplify his own Coronation pledge: 'Not to be served but to serve.'

It was recorded as an audio clip instead of a video because Worcester Cathedral does not have the capacity to play a televised message.

At last year's service, the King and Queen attended along with Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Sophie and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

Charles and Camilla wore matching royal blue outfits, with the King in a suit and the Queen Consort wearing a coat dress by Anna Valentine with a Philip Treacy hat. 

The King and Queen Consort looked in good spirits in 2023 as they waved hello to the crowds of people watching on as the royals walked into St George's Chapel

The Wales family all sported shades of blue - from the Princess' eye-catching coat and hat, to Charlotte's tights and little Louis' shorts, which his mother had paired knee high socks, a jacket and blue shirt and tie

They left the service separately, with Camilla stopping to receive a bouquet from Harriet, 10. Camilla waved to members of the public and wished them a 'Happy Easter', before getting into a waiting car.

Charles also greeted the crowd, receiving a round of applause as he left the Easter Matins Service at St George's Chapel, in the shadow of Windsor Castle, a few minutes later.

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended with their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis. 

Four-year-old Prince Louis made his debut, holding the hand of his mother, the Princess of Wales. 

He glanced seriously at the waiting media as he entered and later left the service, while the Princess offered a brief smile and a greeting. His elder sister Charlotte gave a sweet hello to well wishers watching on.