King Charles met the ambassadors of Burundi and Moldova at Buckingham Palace today as the Queen stood in for him at the annual Royal Holy Service.
Her Majesty, who has stepped back from public engagements as she continues cancer treatment, met separately with the newly appointed Epimeni Bapfinda of Burundi and Ruslan Bolbocean of Moldova.
Previously, the King recorded a personal message that was played to a congregation at Worcester Cathedral, where the Royal Holy Service was held in his absence.
He reaffirmed his coronation promise to “not be served, but serve” with “all my heart.”
The message did not directly refer to the King and Princess of Wales’ treatment for undisclosed cancers, but highlighted those who “extend the hand of friendship”, which will likely be interpreted as the nation’s response to the double scare health of the monarchy.
In the most important event in the royal calendar, the head of state distributes Holy Money (newly minted coins) to stalwarts of the community in recognition of their service, and the Queen replaces the King in the ceremony, a first for a Queen Consort.
King Charles met the ambassadors of Burundi and Moldova at Buckingham Palace today as the Queen stood in for him at the annual Royal Holy Service. Above: The King greets the ambassador of Burundi, Epimeni Bapfinda
Queen Camilla attends the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral in the king’s absence
Charles said in his speech: “The act of worship, here at Worcester Cathedral, reminds me of the promise I made at the beginning of the coronation service: to follow Christ’s example ‘not to be served but to serve.’
‘That’s what I’ve always tried to do and continue to do, with all my heart.
‘It is my special prayer today that Our Lord’s example of serving one another may continue to inspire us and strengthen all of our communities.’
The King withdrew from large-scale public duties while receiving outpatient cancer treatment, and spoke of his “great sadness” at not being able to attend the service.
His message began with a Bible reading from the Gospel of John, which describes how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, the root of today’s Royal Holy Service.
The Holy Service, celebrated on the Thursday before Easter Sunday, commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper when he washed the feet of his disciples as an act of humility on the day before Good Friday.
Today, sovereigns no longer wash the feet of the needy as they did in medieval times, but 75 women and 75 men – representing the age of the King – will receive two bags, one red and one white, full of money. Holy.
Charles added: ‘In this country we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our well-being.
‘But beyond these organizations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in times of need.
‘The 150 men and women who have been chosen today to receive my wife’s Holy money are wonderful examples of such kindness; to go above and beyond the call of duty and to give much of their lives in the service of others in their communities.’
Ruslan Bolbocean presents his credentials to King Charles III during a private audience at Buckingham Palace
The King shakes hands with Mr Bapfinda during their meeting today
Earlier this month, Charles recorded the special message and Bible reading in the 18th Century Room at Buckingham Palace.
When Camilla arrived today, she would have heard chants of “Down with the Crown” from protesters in Republic, which is campaigning for an elected head of state.
The Holy Money ceremony began in 1662, when Charles II distributed coins.
The King’s message comes as he prepares to attend church at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Easter Sunday with Camilla, his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis in early February.
But there will be a small number of royals present to avoid the health risks associated with large crowds.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their family will be absent.
Kate was last seen at a public engagement on December 25 and then underwent abdominal surgery in January, after which cancer was found.
The King continues to hold private meetings and work on state affairs, and yesterday received Mohamed Nasheed, secretary general of the Climate Vulnerability Forum, at Buckingham Palace.
Queen Camilla holds the Nosegay bouquet as she poses with Yeomen of the Guard and religious representatives during the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral today.
Queen Camilla attends the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral this afternoon
Queen Camilla waves as she leaves the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral today
Queen Camilla comes out to greet well-wishers in Worcester after attending today’s service.
Queen Camilla attends the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral this afternoon
Republic, which is campaigning to elect a head of state, had a small contingent of activists demonstrating in Worcester for the Queen’s visit.
The group said last week on social media: “We are very sorry to hear of Kate’s cancer diagnosis and wish her a speedy recovery.”
But Graham Smith, the group’s chief executive, said on Wednesday: “Unlike the realists, we do not confuse the family with the institution. It is the institution we are protesting against this week.
“This is a campaign about principles, politics and reform.”
He added: “The Republic campaign continues unabated and the protests will continue as long as the monarchy is there.”