King Charles of the United Kingdom has addressed a message of unity and mutual support on the occasion of the traditional Maundy Thursday service in Worcester from which he was absent this year.
King Charles’ message, according to Sky News, was recorded in mid-March at Buckingham Palace.
King Charles will attend the Easter service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, along with Camilla and other members of the royal family.
In his recorded message, he reaffirmed his coronation pledge to follow Christ’s example of “not to be served, but to serve”. “That’s what I have always tried to do and continue to do with all my heart,” he said.
“It is my special prayer today that the example of our Lord will continue to inspire us and strengthen all of our communities.”
King Charles’s Easter message calls for friendship.
At the same time, he expressed his “great sadness” at missing the traditional Maundy Thursday ceremony.
Every Thursday before Easter Sunday, the monarch hands out gifts of coins – corresponding to his age – to pensioners who have contributed to their church and community.
The ceremony dates back to the 4th century and commemorates the memory of Jesus washing the feet of his Apostles at the Last Supper. Queen Camilla represented Charles for the first time this year.
“The Royal Maundy Service has a very special place in my heart,” she said, after a Bible reading at the place where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. He said the verse, from the Gospel of John, “has its origins in the life of our Lord, who knelt before his disciples and, to their amazement, washed their feet.”
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The monarch said that in this act Jesus gave “an example of how we are to serve and care for one another” – 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.”
While he did not comment directly on his own health or the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis, he spoke of the importance of those who care for others. He added: “God bless you all this Easter.”
