King Charles meets the ambassadors of Burundi and Moldova at Buckingham Palace as Camilla stands in for him at annual Maundy service where he delivered a pre-recorded Easter address to the congregation

King Charles met the ambassadors of Burundi and Moldova at Buckingham Palace today as the Queen stood in for him at the annual Royal Maundy Service.

His Majesty, who has relinquished public engagements as he continues cancer treatment, met separately with the recently appointed Epimeni Bapfinda of Burundi and Ruslan Bolbocean of Moldova.

Earlier, the King had recorded a personal message that was played to a congregation in Worcester Cathedral, where the Royal Maundy Service was held during his absence.

He reaffirmed his coronation promise ‘not to be served, but to serve’ with ‘all my heart’.

The message did not directly refer to the King and Princess of Wales’ treatment for unspecified types of cancer, but highlighted those “extending the hand of friendship” – which is likely to be interpreted as the country’s response to the twin health scares of the monarchy.

The most important event in the royal calendar sees white money – newly minted coins – distributed by the head of state to community stalwarts in recognition of their services, with the Queen standing in for the King at the ceremony, a first for a Queen Consort.

Charles said in his speech: ‘The act of worship here in Worcester Cathedral reminds me of the promise I made at the beginning of the Coronation Service: to follow Christ’s example ‘not to be served, but to to serve’.

‘I have always tried to do that with all my heart and still do.

“It is my special prayer today that our Lord’s example of serving one another may continue to inspire us and strengthen all of our communities.”

The king has stepped back from major public duties while receiving outpatient cancer treatment, and spoke of his “great sadness” at being unable to attend the service.

His message began with a Bible reading from the Gospel of John, which describes Jesus washing the feet of his disciples – the root of today’s Royal White Service.

The White Service, held on the Thursday before Easter Sunday, commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper, when he washed his disciples’ feet the day before Good Friday as an act of humility.

Today, monarchs no longer wash the feet of the needy as they did in the Middle Ages, but 75 women and 75 men – symbolizing the age of the king – will receive two wallets, one red and one white, filled with white money.

Charles added: “In this country we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our good.

“But in addition to these organizations and their selfless employees, we also need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in times of need.

“The 150 men and women chosen today to receive my wife’s White Money are wonderful examples of such kindness; to go far beyond the call of duty and to give much of their lives to the service of others in their community.’

Earlier this month, Charles recorded the special message and Bible reading in the 18th century room of Buckingham Palace.

When Camilla arrived today, she is said to have heard ‘Down With The Crown’ from protesters from Republic, which is campaigning for an elected head of state.

The White Money Ceremony began in 1662, when Charles II distributed coins.

The King’s message comes as he prepares to attend church with Camilla at St. Goerge’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Easter Sunday – his most important public appearance since his diagnosis in early February.

But a reduced number of royals will be present to avoid the health risks associated with large crowds.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their families will be absent.

Kate was last seen at a public engagement on December 25 and subsequently underwent abdominal surgery in January and was diagnosed with cancer.

The king continues private meetings and works on state affairs, and yesterday received Mohamed Nasheed, secretary general of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, at Buckingham Palace.

Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, had a small contingent of activists demonstrating in Worcester ahead of the Queen’s visit.

The group said on social media last week: ‘We are very sorry to hear about Kate’s cancer diagnosis and wish her a speedy recovery.’

But Graham Smith, the group’s chief executive, said on Wednesday: ‘Unlike royalists, we do not confuse the family with the institution. It is the institution we are protesting against this week.

“This is a campaign about principles, politics and reform.”

He added: “The Republic campaign continues unabated and the protests will continue as long as the monarchy is in place.”