The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have spent Easter Morning at St Andrew’s Anglican Cathedral in Sydney.

The royal couple joined the congregation at St Andrew’s for a special Easter service where they sang the classic hymn In Christ Alone and Archbishop Glenn Davies spoke on John 11.

In his Easter sermon, Dr Davies compared the miracle of Lazarus’ temporary resurrection to the paradigm-shifting resurrection of Jesus which opens the way to eternal life.

“Even a triple bypass would not have saved Lazarus from dying yet again—only Jesus can perform the heart operation that brings eternal life, for only he has conquered death on the Cross, once and for all,” said Dr Davies.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for Easter service at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney. pic.twitter.com/XaNQriXIU8

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 20, 2014

Despite the hype and thousands of royal fans clamouring for a glimpse of the royal couple beyond the Cathedral doors, no mention was made of the Duke and Duchess during the service.  In a nod to the real reason for Easter, the Dean of the Cathedral, Phillip Jensen said in his opening remarks: “We’re here today to welcome the Prince—of Peace, the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings.”

TV crews and members of the public weren’t allowed into the private service, with only regular members of the congregation and special dignitaries permitted to attend.

12-year-old Sebastian Andrews is part of the Cathedral choir and says Princess Catherine was “very pretty” sitting in the front row. The Duchess came and spoke to him after the service and told him his singing was very good, a comment which he says made him feel “A bit special. It’s not every day you get to sing for a Prince and Princess.” The Princess also spoke to his sister, 9-year-old Anastasia.

Following the service, the Duke and Duchess signed the Bible and Prayer Book which were brought out on the First Fleet and used by Australia’s first chaplain, Richard Johnson.

William and Catherine’s signatures in Richard Johnson’s Book of Common Prayer and the First Fleet Bible

The books have been signed by visiting royals since 1920, including by William’s own parents and grandparents.

Normally housed at St Philip’s Anglican Church in Sydney, they were brought to the Easter service this morning by the Minister of St Philip’s Church Hill, Justin Moffatt, who says the royal couple “seemed a little surprised” but delighted at seeing their relatives’ inky signatures.

After a short chat and a flick through the book, Justin says he gave them a little essay on Richard Johnson and what motivated him to come to the colonies. The royal couple were keen to receive it.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge look at the First Fleet Bible today #RoyalVisitAus pic.twitter.com/zbxblqgCDv

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) April 20, 2014