King Charles III will deliver an Easter message emphasizing the importance of friendship, especially during challenging times, in his first public remarks since Princess Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis. The pre-recorded audio message will be heard at a Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral. Charles will talk about Jesus’ example of serving and caring for others, and the need for friendship in times of need. He will also attend an Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, but will not directly address Kate’s health in his message. Queen Camilla will deputize for him at Thursday’s event, as Charles has scaled back public engagements due to his own cancer treatment.
The king has expressed gratitude for the support and well-wishes he has received from people across the United Kingdom and beyond during his cancer treatment. He released a statement praising Kate for her courage in speaking about her diagnosis and shared hospital experiences. The Royal Maundy service, where the monarch hands out special coins in purses to reward good deeds, is part of Charles’ role as head of the Anglican Church. The event symbolizes the Last Supper and dates back to 600AD. The coins have been distributed since 1662, when King Charles II introduced Maundy money.
The Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral is a significant public appearance for King Charles III since his cancer diagnosis in February. He will not be present in person at the event, with Queen Camilla representing him. The king’s message will highlight the importance of friendship and caring for others, following Jesus’ example. While he will not explicitly mention Kate’s health in his remarks, the context of the ongoing family health crisis may be inferred by royal observers. Charles will also deliver a Bible reading during the service, adding a personal touch to his message.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III will attend the Easter Mattins Service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, indicating the event’s importance in the royal calendar. The king’s public relations team released a new picture of him recording his address into a microphone at Buckingham Palace, showing him actively involved in delivering his message. Charles has expressed his pride in Kate for her courage in sharing her diagnosis, and the relationship between them has reportedly grown closer during their shared hospital stays. The Royal Maundy service is an important tradition that allows the king to reward individuals for their good deeds and charity work, reflecting his role in the Anglican Church.
Last year, King Charles III attended the Royal Maundy service at York Minster, following a tradition started by Queen Elizabeth II to hold the event in different locations across the U.K. rather than just in London. The service symbolizes the Last Supper and the act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet before Good Friday. The distribution of Maundy money has a long history dating back to the 17th century. Camilla will perform the role of distributing coins to individuals at this year’s event, continuing the tradition that recognizes and rewards acts of kindness and charity. The event is a significant spiritual occasion for the King and the Anglican Church, highlighting the values of service, charity, and friendship emphasized in his Easter message.
