King Charles III of Great Britain addressed the nation with an Easter message

This is the first public appearance since the news of Kate Middleton’s diagnosis.

British King Charles III addressed the nation in a recorded message released on the eve of Easter Sunday. He said that now “we need those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in difficult times, and we benefit greatly from this.”

An audio recording of His Majesty’s message was broadcast from Worcester Cathedral, where his wife Queen Camilla attended the annual royal Lent service in his place. On this day, the monarch or his deputy distributes royal coins to local residents for their contributions to society.

The British monk, who announced in February that he had been diagnosed with cancer, has stepped back from public duties while he undergoes treatment. In his Easter address, Charles III said that he regretted that he could not be with those present in the church. The monarch also read a passage from the Bible about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and concluded: “In doing so, he intentionally gave them and all of us an example of how we should serve and care for each other.”

“In the UK we are blessed with all the different services that exist for our well-being, but beyond these organizations and their dedicated staff, we need those who extend a hand of friendship to us, especially in times of need,” the king explained.

The head of the royal family opined that the 150 deserving people who will receive the coins are “remarkable examples of such kindness, of going far beyond the call of duty and giving so much of their lives to serving others in their communities.”

King Charles III added that the service reminded him of his promise at the start of the coronation service to follow the example of Christ – not to be served, but to serve himself.” He stated that he “has always tried and will continue to do with all my heart.”

“I especially pray today that our Lord’s example of serving one another will continue to inspire us and strengthen all our communities. May God bless you all this Easter,” the monarch concluded his speech.

The celebratory message comes at a difficult time for the Royal Family as His Majesty and his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, undergo treatment for cancer. Buckingham Palace has announced that the King is expected to attend the Royal Family’s traditional Easter service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024.