In a poignant turn of events, King Charles III was unable to attend the traditional Royal Maundy service on Thursday due to ongoing cancer treatments, casting a shadow over the centuries-old ceremony. The monarch conveyed his regret and reflections on service and community through a heartfelt prerecorded message.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is for me a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today,” the 75-year-old monarch said in a prerecorded message, as per BBC, adding, “The Maundy service has a very special place in my heart.”
“In this country, we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare. But over and above these organizations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those that extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need,” he continued.
King Charles cited the 150 men and women chosen to receive the Maundy money symbolic coins from Queen Camilla, who took over duties in her husband's absence. He described them as "wonderful examples of such kindness, of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities." His message was played for Camilla, 76, and the attendees at Worcester Cathedral.
The monarch stated that worship "reminds me of the pledge I made at the beginning of the coronation service: to follow Christ's example of serving rather than being served." That is something I have always tried to do and will continue to do with my whole heart." Charles was crowned and established as the head of the Church of England on May 6, 2023. He became king on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Maundy service, during which the monarch bestows gifts, is one of the oldest royal ceremonies, dating back to the 13th century and the reign of King John, who is buried in this medieval cathedral.
Until James II in the 17th century, the monarch was also known to wash the feet of the poor, similar to how Jesus did at the Last Supper. The ceremony now includes giving coin purses to elderly people who have helped the church and the local community.
This year's recipients received £5 coins depicting a Tudor dragon, a 50p commemorating the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's 200th anniversary, and specially minted silver Maundy coins. Norman Tomlinson, 72, of Mansfield, received the special coins for his work with his local hospice and Catholic church, which includes delivering communion to the sick and housebound.
He described receiving Maundy money as a "once in a lifetime" experience, and he expressed to the Queen his hope that the King and Princess of Wales will recover soon. This was another engagement in which Queen Camilla appeared on the King's behalf as he continued his cancer treatment, which began last month.
Meanwhile, the Easter Sunday service is traditionally attended by almost all royal family members. However, the 2024 service will be without Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children. On March 22, Kate revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had begun preventative chemotherapy treatments.
On Tuesday, March 26, the palace confirmed that the king and queen would attend the traditional Easter service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on March 31. However, it will be a smaller event this Easter,
The King had sent a video message to the annual Commonwealth service earlier this month, but it is believed that Worcester Cathedral did not have video capabilities, so an audio message was used instead.
The anti-monarchy group Republic issued a statement ahead of the service, claiming that the monarchy is "bad for Britain's democracy" and that the Queen's visit to Worcester will demonstrate "how out of touch the monarchy is with the values of most of us.” Protest chants could be heard as the Queen approached Worcester Cathedral.
When announcing King Charles' diagnosis, the palace stated that doctors had advised the king to postpone public-facing duties, as per The New Yorker. Throughout this time, His Majesty will conduct State business and official paperwork as usual, as he has done.
His Majesty has continued to fight cancer, as evidenced by photos released to the public of him receiving guests at Buckingham Palace. King Charles has also continued his weekly meetings with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
