- His Majesty last attended service at St Mary Magdalene Church two weeks ago
- Well-wishers hoping to see the 75-year-old monarch found gates outside locked
King Charles has today the missed church service at the Sandringham estate where he is staying just days before his operation for an enlarged prostate is scheduled to take place.
The 75-year-old monarch is currently resting at the 20,000 acre Sandringham royal estate in Norfolk with Queen Camilla ahead of the corrective surgery next week.
Well-wishers had gathered today in the hope of catching a glimpse of Charles walking to the 11am morning service at St Mary Magdalene church on the Sandringham estate.
But they found the gates to the paddock outside the church were locked, meaning they could not reach the roped off path where spectators are usually allowed to stand.
It comes after the Princess of Wales was said to be ‘doing well’ after going under the knife for her abdominal operation at London Clinic near Regent’s Park this week.
Charles had been expected to walk the quarter of a mile from Sandringham House to the church, as he almost always does when his in his residence at his private retreat.
There was no sign of him appearing as the bells pealed and the service got underway in the 18th century church where members of the Royal family traditionally worship while on winter breaks.
Holiday lettings housekeeper Maxine Sykes, 44, and her mother Victoria Martin, 67, are holidaying in Norfolk and had hoped to see the King.
Maxine of St Neots, Cambridgeshire, said: ‘We came up to Sandringham for a wander around and saw people waiting so we decided to investigate.
‘We thought it would be nice to get a glimpse of the King, but unfortunately he has not come out.’
Victoria, of Rye, East Sussex, added: ‘It’s a shame we have not seen him, but it is understandable if he wants to keep quiet before going into hospital.
‘He might also have thought it best to keep a low profile because of all the interest in his daughter-in-law Kate being in hospital, and the concerns for her.’
Other onlookers said it was ‘highly unusual’ to find the gates to the church paddock locked so nobody could get through.
One person, who asked not to be named, said: ‘It was never locked when the old Queen was alive and it is usually open when Charles is here.
‘The last time he was at the church was two weeks ago before he went to Scotland, and people could walk down and see him.
‘I was a little disappointed that he didn’t come because I wanted to wish him the best of luck for his surgery.’
Buckingham Palace revealed last Wednesday that Charles was due to undergo a corrective procedure next week after being diagnosed with a benign enlarged prostate.
He and Queen Camilla were at his Scottish home Birkhall when they received the shock news, just after it was disclosed that the Princess of Wales was in hospital.
The couple were flown more than 300 miles on Friday on an RAF jet from Aberdeen Airport to RAF Marham before being driven the final 15 miles to Sandringham.
Buckingham Palace shared the news about the King’s procedure just 90 minutes after Kensington Palace said Kate had undergone abdominal surgery and would spend two weeks in hospital.
The King, who acceded to the throne 16 months ago and had his coronation at Westminster Abbey last May, will be admitted to an unidentified hospital next week.
Camilla revealed last week that the King was ‘fine’ and ‘looking forward to getting back to work’ as she made a solo visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery last week.
She spoke of her husband’s health as she open the Gallery’s new Safe Space, an initiative to provide help and guidance to people if they suspect someone is living with domestic abuse.
Camilla was reported as appearing cheery, and adopting the keep calm and carry on approach often associated with the late Queen.
The Princess of Wales was admitted to the private London Clinic hospital on Tuesday for successful abdominal surgery, which Kensington Palace said was planned.
She is said to be ‘doing well’ but will remain in the exclusive clinic for ten to 14 days, and is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.
Prince William spent time at her bedside on Thursday in a low key private visit.
He has stepped back from official duties for several weeks to care for his wife and juggle looking after their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Joe Little from Majesty magazine, has said that the health troubles of Charles and Kate have compounded the problems facing the small band of working royals.
Mr Little said: ‘The working members of the Royal Family have been under pressure to maintain the level of engagements undertaken by a much larger team in years gone by.
‘Suddenly removing three of the most senior players because of health issues compounds the problem considerably, but at least the King will be out of action for only a relatively short period.’
Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment about King Charles’ non-attendance at church
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
