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

Mar 28, 2024 by Jill

by Sammy Gecsoyler, Guardian:

Pre-recorded message for Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral will be played as Camilla stands in for monarch.

King Charles will highlight the importance of friendship “in a time of need” on Thursday in his first public comments since the Princess of Wales announced that she was receiving treatment for cancer.

In his second Easter message as king, Charles will say how Christ set an “example of how we should serve and care for each other”, and how as a nation “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need”.

The pre-recorded comments will be broadcast in his absence at a Royal Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral on Thursday.

The 75-year-old will also reiterate his coronation pledge “not to be served but to serve”.

He has recorded a Bible reading and, in his brief personal message, will describe the Maundy money recipients as “wonderful examples of such kindness” in “giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities”.

Charles was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and stepped back from public duties while receiving outpatient treatment. He is scheduled to make his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis on Sunday, where he will attend church with Queen Camilla.

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