Kate Middleton and Prince William opted to spend Easter with Kate's side of the family in Sandringham, skipping the royal family's holiday church outing at Windsor Castle.

For the second year in a row, the king's disgraced brother joined Easter Sunday services, while William and Kate's family stayed away.

The Royal Family has responded to the death of Pope Francis with traditional marks of respect. Union flags are being flown at half-mast at royal residences today. The Guard Change ceremony will feature sombre music as a sign of mourning for the pontiff,