The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
King’ s Easter theme is ‘care for each other’
The King is to stress the importance of acts of friendship “especially in a time of need” in a personal Easter message following news that both he and the Princess of Wales have been diagnosed with cancer.
King Charles’s prerecorded audio will be broadcast in his absence at a Royal Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral today.
He will tell of how Jesus set an “example of how we should serve and care for each other”, and how as a nation “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need”.
While the King does not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law’s health, his words will be interpreted as reflecting on the nation’s response to his and Catherine’s challenges as they continue treatment for cancer.
The princess released an emotional video message last Friday revealing she has started a course of
preventative chemotherapy.
She later was said to be “extremely moved” by the public support following her announcement.
The King related last month how he had been reduced to tears by the messages and cards of support he received from well-wishers.
The 75-year-old, who only acceded to the throne 18 months ago, will also reamplify his coronation pledge “not to be served but to serve”.
He has recorded a Bible reading and, in his brief personal message, will describe the Maundy
money recipients as “wonderful examples of such kindness” in “giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities”.
The King has stepped back from large-scale public duties while receiving outpatient treatment and Queen Camilla is deputising for him at today’s ancient Royal Maundy ceremony.
The King’s message comes as he prepares to attend church on Easter Sunday with the Queen – his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis.