King Charles III shared a poignant message about the power of love in honor of Easter.
“One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness. This paradox of human life runs through the Easter story and in the scenes that daily come before our eyes … On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon Him. His humble action was a token of His love that knew no bounds or boundaries and is central to Christian belief,” Charles, 76, shared in a statement on Thursday, April 17.
Charles noted that a similar theme of love is present in “other religious traditions, and in the hearts of all who seek the good of others.” He further emphasized that the spirit of the Easter story is more important now than ever.
“There are three virtues that the world still needs — faith, hope and love. ‘And the greatest of these is love,’” the king wrote. “It is with these timeless truths in my mind, and my heart, that I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Easter.”
The statement was signed “Charles R.”
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Charles’ heartfelt message came as he and his wife, Queen Camilla, attended the annual Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral in England on Thursday. At the event — which is held in a different church each year — Charles handed out specially minted coins to 76 men and women in a reference to his age.
Camilla, 77, previously filled in for her husband at the 2024 service, which Charles skipped amid his cancer treatment. News broke last February that Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following a procedure on his prostate. He briefly took a step back from public-facing duties before returning to work in March 2024.
In his traditional Christmas Day speech, Charles expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received throughout his health battle. (His daughter-in-law Princess Kate Middleton was also treated for cancer last year, revealing in January that she is in remission.)
“From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed,” Charles said in December 2024. “I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.”
Last month, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was hospitalized. “Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, The King experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital,” a March 27 statement revealed. “His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were, therefore, postponed.”
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Charles soon returned to Clarence House to recover, but items on his schedule for the following day were postponed “as a precautionary measure.” The palace later confirmed that Charles’ “usual working week” would continue as of April 1.
While specific details regarding Charles’ diagnosis are still under wraps, both he and Camilla have shared frequent updates on his health throughout treatment.
“I think he loves his work and it keeps him going,” Camilla told the press during the royal couple’s recent visit to Italy, per Hello! magazine. “And I think it’s wonderful, you know, if you’ve been ill and you are recovering, you’re getting better and now he wants to do more and more and more.”
The royal family’s Easter celebrations continue Sunday, April 20, with a traditional church service.
