Inside the Royal family’s Easter traditions and how Princess Diana changed them

Diana started Easter egg hunts for William and Harry, a tradition they have both carried on with their own families

The British royal family’s Easter celebrations are steeped in tradition, but many of their more relaxed, family-focused customs can be traced back to Princess Diana, whose influence continues to shape how the holiday is observed today.

According to InStyle, one of the most notable traditions Diana introduced was a more laid-back approach to Easter, particularly for her children. She reportedly started the now-beloved private Easter egg hunts for Prince William and Prince Harry, a tradition they have both carried on with their own families.

While the royal family does not typically participate in public egg hunts, these private celebrations remain a key part of how younger generations experience the holiday. Even today, William and Catherine, Princess of Wales are said to continue the tradition with their children, keeping Diana’s more personal and playful influence alive.

Beyond family activities, Easter remains an important religious occasion for the royals. Each year, senior members, including King Charles III, attend a formal Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, followed by a private family lunch.

Food also plays a central role in the celebration. The traditional Easter meal typically includes roast lamb, along with seasonal sides, cheese, and desserts like chocolate eggs. Despite some personal preferences, Charles is not known to enjoy chocolate, other royals have embraced the sweeter side of the holiday.

Another long-standing custom tied to Easter is the Maundy Thursday service, where the monarch distributes special coins to members of the public in recognition of their service. The number of recipients traditionally reflects the monarch’s age, making it both symbolic and deeply rooted in royal history.

Altogether, the royal family’s Easter traditions blend formal religious observance with intimate family moments, many of which were shaped by Diana’s effort to bring warmth, normalcy, and joy to royal life.