King Charles III made a public statement on Maundy Thursday, emphasising the importance of acts of friendship after he and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were diagnosed with cancer, CNN reported.
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a Christian event held every year on the Thursday before Easter.
“It has its origin in the life of Our Lord who knelt before his disciples and, to their great surprise, washed their travel-weary feet. And, as we have just heard, in doing so he deliberately gave to them and to us all an example of how we should serve and care for each other.”
The King’s audio message was played at the annual Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral in England on Thursday. The address marked his first public statement since Catherine announced she was undergoing chemotherapy, ending months of speculation about her medical condition.
Charles, also currently undergoing treatment for cancer, did not attend the service, leaving his wife, Queen Camilla, to distribute the traditional gifts on his behalf. Her presence came at a time when Charles withdrew from public duties while undergoing outpatient treatment.
The king is expected to attend church on Easter Sunday with his wife, marking his most significant public appearance since being diagnosed.
In this country we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare. But over and above these organizations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need.
He used his message on the eve of the Easter weekend to reaffirm his coronation promise “not to be served but to serve [with] my whole heart.”
Previously, the monarch washed the feet of those in need, but now hands out specially minted coins to people in recognition of their service to the church and local community. Queen Camilla will distribute the Maundy money in two purses, red and white, at Worcester Cathedral to 75 men and 75 women as a tribute to the King’s age.
Charles stated that the 150 men and women who would receive the Maundy Money “are wonderful examples of such kindness; of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities.”
According to PA Media, King Charles’s message was recorded in mid-March and did not directly address his or Kate’s health.
