It will be the first speech by King Charles since Kate Middleton announced to the world she has cancer. And it will be broadcast tomorrow during a Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral. But the monarch, who is also undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, will not be there. King Charles pre-recorded it and the Daily Mirror gives some previews of what Charles will say in one of the most difficult moments for the Royal Family.
The Speech
The King will exhort the nation to "serve and take care of each other." He will talk about how Jesus set an "example of how we should serve and take care of one another" and how "we need and greatly benefit from those who reach out to us with friendship, especially in a time of need." Although the King does not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law's health, his words will be interpreted as a reflection on the nation's response to their challenges as they continue cancer treatment. Last Friday, the princess released an emotional video message in which she revealed she had begun a course of preventive chemotherapy. Charles said last month he was moved by the messages and cards he had received from his supporters. The 75-year-old, who ascended the throne just 18 months ago, will also reaffirm his coronation promise "not to be served but to serve."
The Recorded Video
The King has withdrawn from public duties since discovering his illness and the Queen will replace him during the ancient Royal Maundy ceremony. Charles was depicted sitting at his desk in the 18th-century Room of Buckingham Palace while recording his message in mid-March. In front of him was a vase full of spring flowers and two microphones ready to capture his words. The king's message comes as he prepares to go to church on Easter Sunday with Camilla: his most significant public appearance after the diagnosis.
The Maundy Money Ceremony
The Royal Maundy service is an important appointment in the royal calendar and normally the monarch, who is the head of the Church of England, presents specially minted coins to people recognized for their service to the community. The ceremony commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus, when he washed the feet of his disciples as an act of humility the day before Good Friday. Today, monarchs no longer wash the feet of the needy as they did in the Middle Ages, but 75 women and 75 men - to indicate the king's age - will be given two purses, one red and one white, filled with Maundy money. The Maundy Money ceremony began in 1662 when Charles II distributed coins.
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