Meanderer
Supreme Member
King Charles pledges to serve the nation with 'my whole heart' in moving Easter message
King Charles sits at a desk ahead of the recording of his Easter message © PA
"King Charles has said he is continuing to serve the nation "with my whole heart" in a moving Easter message broadcast at the Royal Maundy service this morning."
"The monarch, who has been undergoing cancer treatment since February, talked of his "special prayer" this Easter and expressed his "great sadness" of being unable to attend the staple royal event. His wife Queen Camilla is leading the service on his behalf."
"The Maundy service has a very special place in my heart," he said, after a Bible reading recounting Jesus washing his disciples' feet. He said the verse, from the Gospel according to St John, "has its origin in the life of our Lord, who knelt before his disciples, and to their great surprise, washed their trouble-weary feet". Charles, 75, said that in doing so, Jesus set "an example of how we should serve and care for each other" - and how as a nation "we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need".
"The 75-year-old, who acceded to the throne just 18 months ago, said the act of worship reminded him of the pledge he made at the start of his Coronation service to follow Christ's example - "not to be served, but to serve". Charles said: "That I have always tried to do and continue to do with my whole heart. It is my special prayer today that our Lord's example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities."
He added: "May God bless you all this Easter."
King Charles sits at a desk ahead of the recording of his Easter message © PA
"King Charles has said he is continuing to serve the nation "with my whole heart" in a moving Easter message broadcast at the Royal Maundy service this morning."
"The monarch, who has been undergoing cancer treatment since February, talked of his "special prayer" this Easter and expressed his "great sadness" of being unable to attend the staple royal event. His wife Queen Camilla is leading the service on his behalf."
"The Maundy service has a very special place in my heart," he said, after a Bible reading recounting Jesus washing his disciples' feet. He said the verse, from the Gospel according to St John, "has its origin in the life of our Lord, who knelt before his disciples, and to their great surprise, washed their trouble-weary feet". Charles, 75, said that in doing so, Jesus set "an example of how we should serve and care for each other" - and how as a nation "we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need".
"The 75-year-old, who acceded to the throne just 18 months ago, said the act of worship reminded him of the pledge he made at the start of his Coronation service to follow Christ's example - "not to be served, but to serve". Charles said: "That I have always tried to do and continue to do with my whole heart. It is my special prayer today that our Lord's example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities."
He added: "May God bless you all this Easter."