King Charles III has paid tribute to aid workers who “risk their lives” to protect others in war-torn countries, in a message delivered to mark Easter.
“One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness,” the British monarch, who is also head of the Church of England, said in a message released by Buckingham Palace.
“This paradox of human life runs through the Easter story and in the scenes that daily come before our eyes – at one moment, terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war-torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others,” he added.
The king, who is still undergoing weekly treatment for cancer diagnosed early last year, and Queen Camilla are due to attend a service on Thursday at Durham Cathedral in north-east England before attending the traditional Easter Mass at Windsor on Sunday.
The monarch is obliged to remain politically neutral and made no mention of any specific conflicts. In his Easter message, Charles III also emphasised the importance of faith, hope and love.
During the service, the King will present the alms recipients – 76 men and 76 women – with two purses, a red and a white one, containing the alms money.
This year’s Red Purse includes a £5 coin dedicated to the Queen Mother and a 50p coin depicting the events of the Second World War.
Charles III continues the tradition of publishing Easter addresses that he began as heir to the throne. Unlike his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, he focuses on spiritual and moral issues that unite different religious traditions and cultural values.
