In his first public remarks since the revelation that he is battling cancer, King Charles III has praised those who “extend the hand of friendship, especially in a time of need.”
The 75-year-old monarch’s poignant words, delivered via an audio message for the Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral, come as he misses the ancient church event due to his ongoing medical treatment.
“In this country, we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare,” Charles said in the recording made earlier this month, before his daughter-in-law Kate, the Princess of Wales, disclosed her own preventative cancer treatment.
“But over and above these organizations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need.”
The king’s heartfelt remarks also echoed the pledge he made during his coronation last year.
“It is for me a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today,” he lamented. “This act of worship here in Worcester Cathedral reminds me of the pledge I made…to follow Christ’s example, not to be served, but to serve. That I have always tried to do and continue to do with my whole heart.”
While compelled to miss the Maundy Thursday events, King Charles is expected to make his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis at a scaled-down Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle. There, he will rejoin other members of the royal family.
