Prince delivers first royal Easter message

THE Prince of Wales has delivered his first Easter message, issuing a plea to free Christians, Jews and Muslims from the “barbaric grip of those who distort and misrepresent faith”.

The Prince said those persecuted for their religion must not be forgotten, adding that the Christians fleeing danger “for their faith and for their life” were “in our prayers”.

Saying he found hope in learning that some were now returning to their homelands, he said: “I have been so deeply moved, and humbled, by their truly remarkable courage and by their selfless capacity for forgiveness, despite all that they have suffered.”

The Easter message draws on his strong belief in interfaith dialogue.

While the Queen records her annual Christmas broadcast, an Easter message has not been part of the royal calendar.