King Charles has released a new image ahead of his first public comments following the Princess of Wales’ cancer news.
His pre-recorded audio – the 75-year-old's first public words since Kate revealed she was undergoing chemotherapy – will be broadcast in his absence at the Royal Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral on Thursday.
He will say how Jesus 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”.
Though the King words do not directly refer to his and his Kate's health, his words are though to echo the nation’s response to his and Kate’s new health challenges as they both continue treatment for cancer.
The King's message will be his first since Kate publicly announced her cancer diagnosisIn an emotional video message last Friday, Kate revealed she has started a course of preventative chemotherapy - and later was said to be “extremely moved” by the public support in the days that followed. She had faced shocking online conspiracy theories about her whereabouts and her condition after taking a break from public duties to recuperate following major abdominal surgery in January.
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The King told last month how he had been reduced to tears by the messages and cards of support he received from well-wishers. Charles, who only acceded to the throne 18 months ago, will also reassert 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”.
The King has stepped back from large-scale public duties while receiving outpatient treatment for cancer, and Queen Camilla will stand in for him at the ancient Royal Maundy ceremony on Thursday. Charles was pictured sitting at his desk in Buckingham Palace’s 18th Century Room as he recorded his message in mid-March. In front of him was a vase filled with spring flowers and two microphones ready to capture his words.
He will however attend church for the Easter Sunday service with Camilla – his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis. There will be a reduced number of royals present in order to avoid the health risks associated with large crowds.
The Royal Maundy service is a major fixture on the royal calendar. Traditionally the monarch, who is the head of the Church of England, presents specially minted coins to people recognised for their community service. The ceremony commemorates Jesus’s Last Supper when he washed the feet of his disciples as an act of humility the day before Good Friday.
While the sovereign no longer washes the feet of the needy as they did in medieval times, 75 women and 75 men – signifying the King’s age – will be presented with two purses, one red and one white, filled with Maundy money. The Maundy Money ceremony began in 1662, when Charles II gave out coins.
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