King Charles Releases Personal Audio Message Days Before Easter Service Appearance

Karelle McKay

March 28, 2024 at 11:10 AM·2 min read

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Before King Charles makes an upcoming appearance at the Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel (his first major event since starting treatment for his cancer diagnosis), the monarch, 75, has released a personal audio message that emphasizes the importance of “friendship” and showing “care for one another.”

In light of his absence at the 2024 Royal Maundy Service (which took place earlier this morning), a recorded message from His Majesty was played during the ceremony. While the king couldn’t be there personally, Queen Camilla, 76, stepped in for her husband to distribute the Royal Maundy gifts—making history as the first consort to lead such a traditional royal event.

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According to People, the king’s audio message was accompanied by a photo of the royal sitting at his desk in Buckingham Palace’s 18th Century Room, with a microphone and a recorder placed in front of him. In the voice recording, he said, “The Maundy Service has a very special place in my heart. We need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need.”

The king continued, “We should serve and care for each other.”

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According to the Daily Mail, this particular event was “the most significant royal event” for the king to miss during his break from royal duties. During the event, Queen Camilla distributed “Maundy money” (or ceremonial coins) in place of the king, which, according to the royal family website, “commemorates Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper.”

For this year’s celebration, 75 men and 75 women (over the age of 70) received a special gift for their continued Christian service and contributions throughout their communities.