KING Charles III will emphasize the importance of friendly acts, “especially in times of need”, in his Easter message this Thursday following his and the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
Pre-recorded audio comments will be broadcast in his absence at the Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral in central England, according to footage promoted by Buckingham Palace.
Charles, 75, would say as a nation, “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in times of need”.
The comments come after the king’s daughter-in-law Kate Middleton revealed last Friday in an emotional video message that she was also undergoing cancer treatment.
The king did not mention the wife of his son and heir William in his message.
But royal watchers will likely interpret his words as a sign of the support he and the princess have received regarding their health issues.
Also read: King Charles III Remains Committed to Serving Despite Cancer Diagnosis
Maundy Thursday religious services are an annual event in the royal calendar and mark the beginning of the Easter weekend.
Charles will be represented by his wife, Queen Camilla.
Kate, 42, said in a statement late Saturday that she was “so touched by the kind messages” she had received following her shock announcement.
Also read: Prince William appears after King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer
Last month, Charles said he cried because of messages and cards of support from his fans.
Charles was just 17 months into his reign when the palace announced in early February he had cancer and would postpone all public engagements as he underwent treatment.
However, he is scheduled to attend an Easter Sunday church service this weekend.
Also read: Prince Harry goes to London to visit King Charles III who was diagnosed with cancer
He had undergone surgery for a benign prostate in January but was later diagnosed with an unrelated cancer. Unfortunately the type of cancer was not disclosed.
He continued to do work behind the scenes and held few face-to-face meetings and increasingly attended official events.
He praised Kate, as she is widely known, for her bravery in revealing she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
He was last seen in a public engagement on December 25, then underwent stomach surgery in January, after which cancer was discovered.
His Kensington Palace office said at the time that he was not expected to be ready to return to public duties until after Easter. (AFP/Z-3)
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