King to thank those who 'extend hand of friendship in time of need' in Maundy Day video address
By The Telegraph UK|
by Hannah Furness?
The King will thank those who "extend the hand of friendship" in times of need in an Easter message following the royal family's double diagnosis with cancer.
The monarch will speak of the benefits of a nation serving and caring for one another in a pre-recorded audio message to be played at the Royal Maundy service because he is unable to attend in person.
In the Christian address, he will stress the importance of acts of friendship and rededicate his Coronation pledge of service.
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The King, who is head of the Church of England, will speak about how Jesus set an "example of how we should serve and care for each other".
As a nation, he will say, "we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need".
The message was recorded in mid-March, weeks after the King's diagnosis was made public, but before the Princess of Wales announced that she, too, was undergoing treatment for cancer.
He will not refer to the family's personal circumstances, but his words are likely to be interpreted as acknowledging the public's response to their news.
The King would ordinarily have hoped to attend the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday, in which the monarch traditionally hands out purses full of Maundy Money in a custom dating back to 1662.
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This year, the symbolic duty will be performed by the Queen จC her most solemn act of deputising for him to date.
In his message, which will be played in the cathedral, the King will hail the "wonderful examples of such kindness" performed by this year's Maundy money recipients, who are "giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities". The message will also include a Bible reading.
The 75-year-old King, who acceded the throne 18 months ago and had his Coronation on May 6 last year, will reiterate his pledge "not to be served but to serve".
It is the first time he has spoken publicly since his daughter-in-law disclosed that she was having chemotherapy. The King is weeks into his own treatment for cancer, and has temporarily stepped back from public engagements on medical advice.
He has been photographed regularly working at home, and is due to attend an Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle under modified conditions including a smaller than usual congregation.
The Easter message was recorded in Buckingham Palace's 18th Century Room in mid-March. The King is photographed behind two microphones, with a vase of spring flowers in front of him and a large ornate candle and house plant behind. He is sitting at a writing desk behind a mahogany and bronze inkstand.
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Last month, he was heard to say that he had been moved to tears by the messages and cards of support he received from well-wishers in the wake of his diagnosis.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been "enormously touched" and "extremely moved" by the public's warmth and support, their spokesman said, after she recorded a video message to tell the world she had also started treatment.
In a walkabout on Wednesday, the Queen told two young well-wishers who had made the Princess a card: "I know that Catherine is thrilled by all the kind wishes and support."
She made the comment during a tour of the Shrewsbury Farmers' Market, where thousands had gathered to see her, and was speaking to two young girls who had hand-drawn get well soon cards for the Princess.
The Queen also promised Lois, aged six, and Harriet, 10, that she would transport their letters "carefully" to Catherine.
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On Wednesday, it was also announced that the King's gardens at Highgrove have inspired a new collection of classic trench coats from Burberry.
The British brand has collaborated with The King's Foundation, which looks after the monarch's private Gloucestershire residence, to create silk scarves and coats that will go on sale for between ?120 and ?2,490.
The collection is said to honour "the thoughtful, steadfast work" of the King and pictures of delphiniums, his favourite flower, were incorporated into the garments. A portion of the proceeds will go to the foundation.
Meanwhile, Republic, the campaign group, has confirmed it will be sending protesters to this year's Royal Maundy service, arguing that it is the institution rather than the family they are targeting.
Graham Smith, the organisation's chief executive, said: "Republic's campaign continues unabated, and the protests will continue for as long as the monarchy is there."
? Telegraph Media Group Limited 2023
