King Charles lauds friendship ‘in time of need’ in first address since Princess of Wales’ diagnosis

In his first public address since the Princess of Wales shared her diagnosis, King Charles will speak on the importance of kindness and care in a message for Royal Maundy service.

In his second Easter message as King, to be broadcast in his absence at the Royal Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral, Charles will speak on how Christ set an “example of how we should serve and care for each other.” Picture: Getty Images

King Charles will speak on the importance of friendship in times of need in his Easter message, against the backdrop of the Royal Family’s double diagnosis with cancer.

In his second Easter message as King, to be broadcast in his absence at the Royal Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral, Charles will speak on 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 75-year-old, who acceded to the throne 18 months ago, will also reiterate his coronation pledge “not to be served but to serve.”

The message, recorded in mid-March, weeks after the King’s cancer diagnosis was made public, will mark the first time he has spoken publicly since the Princess of Wales announced that she was undergoing chemotherapy.

The Royal Maundy service is an annual tradition dating back to 1662, where the monarch, who is the head of the Church of England, presents specially minted coins to people recognised for their community service. This year, the duty will be performed by Queen Camilla.

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort greet people at York Minster for the Maunday Thursday Service on April 6, 2023. Picture: Charalotte Graham/Getty Images

The personal prerecorded message will see Charles 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 message, which was recorded in Buckingham Palace’s 18th-century room, will also include a Bible reading.

Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February this year and stepped back from public duties.

On Sunday, he will make his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis when he attends an Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle.

In February, the King told British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that he had been ‘reduced to tears’ by the messages of support he has received since revealing his cancer diagnosis.