King Charles will make his first public comments on Thursday, stressing the importance of friendship “in times of need” after the Princess of Wales announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer.
In his second Easter message as king, Charles will speak of how Christ set “an example of how we should serve and care for each other” and how as a nation “we need those who extend a hand of friendship to us, and benefited a lot from it.” , especially in times of need.”
Pre-recorded comments will be broadcast at the Royal Maundy Day service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday in his absence.
The 75-year-old will also renew his coronation oath “not to be served, but to serve”.
He recorded a Bible reading and, in a brief personal message, described the Zuozhenjin recipients as “examples of this kind of kindness” who “dedicate so much of their lives to others in their community.”
Charles was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and resigned from public service while undergoing outpatient treatment. He plans to make his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis on Sunday, when he will attend church with Queen Camilla.
The Royal Maundy Ceremony is an annual event in which the monarch, as head of the Church of England, presents specially minted coins to those recognized for their community service. Camilla will represent Charles at Thursday’s ceremony.
This ceremony commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper, when he washed the feet of his disciples as a sign of humility the day before Good Friday.
The monarch no longer washes the feet of the poor as in the Middle Ages, but 75 women and 75 men (symbolizing the age of the king) will be given two purses, one red and one white, filled with enough money.
To avoid the health risks of large crowds, the number of royals in attendance will be reduced.
On 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.”
Newsletter Promotion Post
After major abdominal surgery in January, Catherine retreated from the public eye to recover, and conspiracy theories about her whereabouts and condition have since grown online.
She later said she was “deeply moved” by the public support following the announcement.
Last month, the king said he was moved to tears by the messages of support and cards he received from well-wishers.
Repubblica, the pressure group running for the elected head of state, said a small group of activists would protest at a ceremony in Worcester on Thursday.
