We all benefit from a hand of friendship in times of need, says Charles in Maundy message
King Charles will use his Maundy message today to emphasise helping those in need, as a new portrait of the monarch was released ahead of Easter.
His Majesty has recorded an address to be played at the annual service after being advised not to undertake major public engagements while he is being treated for cancer.
Held this year at Worcester Cathedral, it is one of the most significant set-pieces in the royal calendar each year and it held huge spiritual significance for Queen Elizabeth. On the Thursday before Easter Sunday, the monarch hands out coins equivalent in value to their age to pensioners who have contributed to their church and community.
The ceremony dates back to the fourth century and commemorates Jesus washing the feet of his Apostles at the last supper.
Queen Camilla will be standing in for His Majesty for the first time this year. But earlier this month her husband recorded a special message and Bible reading in the 18th Century Room at Buckingham Palace, to be played to the congregation.
There is to be no mention of family health matters – his own cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as that of his daughter-inlaw, the Princess of Wales.
instead, his Majesty will say how the Lord Jesus set us an ‘example of how we should serve and care for each other’. And he will emphasise how, as a nation, ‘we benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need’.
The King will say that the Maundy money recipients are ‘wonderful examples of such kindness’ in ‘giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities’.
And he will re-amplify his own Coronation pledge: ‘not to be served but to serve.’
it was recorded as an audio instead of on video as Worcester Cathedral does not have the capacity to play a television message. The portrait accompanying the message shows the King looking relaxed and in good spirits, with a posy of spring flowers.
His Majesty will also lead a smaller than normal family party, given the absence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family, to church at Windsor on Easter Sunday.
it will be his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis in early February.
He is continuing private meetings and work on state business, and yesterday received Mohamed nasheed, secretary general of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, at Buckingham Palace.
‘Serve and care for each other’