King Charles has emphasized the importance of extending a hand of friendship to those in need, as a new portrait of the monarch is released.
After being advised by doctors not to have public conversations with large numbers of people while they are undergoing cancer treatment, His Majesty has decided to record a special audio message to be played during the annual White Service on Thursday.
Held this year at Worcester Cathedral, it is one of the most important events in the royal calendar each year. It has great spiritual significance for Queen Elizabeth.
Every Thursday before Easter Sunday, the sovereign distributes coins corresponding to their age to retirees who have contributed to their church and community.
The ceremony dates back to the 4th century and commemorates Jesus washing the feet of his apostles during the Last Supper.
King Charles has emphasized the importance of extending a hand of friendship to those in need, as a new portrait (photo) of the monarch is released
His Majesty has decided to record a special audio message to be played during the annual White Service on Thursday. Camilla will replace Charles
Queen Camilla will take the place of His Majesty for the first time this year.
But earlier this month, her husband recorded a special message and Bible reading in the 18th century room of Buckingham Palace for the congregation to hear.
While there is no mention of family health issues – his own cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as that of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales – his message of support will seem even more poignant.
His Majesty will say how the Lord Jesus has given us an ‘example of how we should serve and care for one another’.
He further emphasizes how we as a nation “benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in times of need.”
The King will say that the recipients of the White Money are “wonderful examples of such kindness” in “giving much of their lives to the service of others in their community.”
And he will reinforce his own coronation promise: ‘not to be served but to serve’.
It was recorded as audio rather than video as Worcester Cathedral does not have the capacity to play a television message.
Kate Middleton, King Charles’ daughter-in-law (pictured), is also battling cancer. She announced this in a video message last Friday
King Charles appeared cheerful and energetic on Wednesday as he continued his ‘business as usual’ attitude amid his battle with cancer
The king’s meeting took place as Queen Camilla met well-wishers during a visit to Shrewsbury, Shropshire, on Wednesday.
The new portrait accompanying the message shows the king looking relaxed and cheerful, with a bouquet of spring flowers next to him, despite his personal ordeal.
His Majesty will also lead a smaller-than-normal family celebration, given the absence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family from church in Windsor on Easter Sunday, his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis in early February.
He continues to hold private meetings and work on state affairs, and yesterday received His Excellency Mohamed Nasheed, Secretary General of the Climate Sensitive Forum, at Buckingham Palace.
Charles appeared cheerful and upbeat on Tuesday as he continued his “business as usual” attitude amid his battle with cancer.
The monarch smiled as he met Mohamed Nasheed, 56, secretary general of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
Despite being told by his doctors to cancel his public appointments ahead of his operation, the king has insisted on keeping up with his paperwork and holding meetings.
Charles appeared cheerful when he met Mr Nasheed, who has won numerous awards for his work in environmental protection and the fight against climate change.
Mr Nasheed was also the first democratically elected president of the Maldives when he came to power in 20087 after a campaign of non-violent civil disobedience against dictator Maumoon Gayoom.