Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
King leads by example
Back to his duties as Queen fills in
KING Charles reaffirmed his Coronation pledge “not to be served, but to serve” as Queen Camilla led the Royal Family at a special Easter service.
Charles, who is having cancer treatment, declared in a recorded message that he will dedicate himself to duty with his “whole heart” and spoke of his sadness at not joining the congregation at Worcester Cathedral.
But in a positive sign of recovery, he carried out smaller engagements yesterday, meeting the ambassador of Burundi, Epimeni Bapfinda, and the ambassador of Moldova, Ruslan Bolbocean, at Buckingham Palace.
He will also lead the rest of the Royal Family on Sunday at Windsor Castle, seen as his biggest engagement since his diagnosis last month.
Charles, 75, who waved from his car outside Clarence House yesterday, is continuing to receive weekly treatment for cancer and since last month scaled down public engagements to minimise the risk of infection.
His personal message was broadcast at the cathedral’s Royal Maundy Service in his absence.
He did not directly refer to his or the Princess of Wales’ treatment for cancer, but highlighted those who “extend the hand of friendship” – likely to be interpreted as the nation’s response to the monarchy’s double health scare.
Queen Camilla, 76, stood in for the King at the ancient ceremony, marking the first time a consort performed the duty on behalf of the monarch.
Maundy money – newly-minted coins – are distributed to community stalwarts by the head of state in recognition of their service. One recipient,
Norman Tomlinson, 72, volunteers with his local church as well as a hospice in Nottingham.
He said: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I said to her, ‘I hope the King gets well soon and your daughter-in-law as well’. She said: ‘thank you very much’.”
Camilla, wearing a leopard print chiffon dress and cream cashmere coat by Fiona Clare, a Lock and Co hat, Russell & Bromley boots and ornate brooches, met well-wishers outside.
Members of the antimonarchy group Republic shouted “down with the crown” as Bishop of Worcester John Inge greeted her.
He gave a blessing to the King in which he said he hoped Camilla would “convey to him our love and respects”.
The Queen also signed the cathedral’s visitors’ book and posed for a photograph with the Royal Maundy Party.