King lauds friendship ‘in time of need’ in first comments since princess’s diagnosis | Monarchy

King Charles will on Thursday stress the importance of friendship in “times of need” in his first public comments since the Crown Princess of Wales announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

In his second Easter message as king, Prince Charles spoke of how Christ set an “example for how we should serve and care for one another” and that as a nation “we “We need and benefit greatly from people who extend a hand of friendship to us.” Especially when it’s needed. ”

Pre-recorded comments will be broadcast in his absence at the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday.

The 75-year-old will also repeat his coronation vow to “serve, not be served.”

He recorded Bible readings, and in short personal messages, he said the recipients of Maundy’s money “dedicated much of their lives to serving others in their communities” and “wonderful acts of kindness like that.” For example.

Charles was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and retired from public life while receiving outpatient treatment. On Sunday he will make his most important public appearance since his diagnosis, attending church with Queen Camilla.

The Royal Maundy Service is an annual event in which the monarch, head of the Church of England, presents specially minted coins to people in recognition of their service to the community. Duchess Camilla will represent Prince Charles at Thursday’s ceremony.

This ritual commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an act of humility on the eve of Good Friday.

Monarchs no longer wash the feet of the poor as they did in the Middle Ages, but two purses, one red and one white, filled with Maundy money were presented to 75 women and 75 men representing the king’s age. You can

The number of members of the royal family in attendance will be reduced to avoid the health risks of large gatherings.

Last Friday, the Princess of Wales announced that she was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. She called the discovery of the disease “a huge shock.”

The Duchess has faced growing conspiracy theories online about her whereabouts and condition after undergoing extensive abdominal surgery in January and taking a break from public life to recuperate.

She later said she was “very touched” by the public’s support after the announcement.

Last month, the king said he was moved to tears by the messages and cards of support he received from well-wishers.

Pressure group Republic, which seeks to elect the head of state, has indicated that a small number of activists will demonstrate at a church service in Worcester on Thursday.