King tells of ‘great sadness’ at missing Maundy service

The King is not attending public events while he has treatment for cancer. He recorded a message that was played at the service at Worcester Cathedral. King Charles has spoken of his “great sadness”" at missing the traditional Maundy Thursday service. Queen Camilla was instead at the service, where she handed out Maundy money.

The number of recipients matches the age of the monarch - so 75 men and women will receive this symbolic gift. The King’s message included a Bible reading and a call that as a nation we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us. The King had sent a video message to the annual Commonwealth service earlier this month. Worcester Cathedral did not have the video facilities, so an audio message was played instead.

The anti-monarchy group Republic issued a statement ahead of the service saying the monarchy is “bad for Britain’s democracy.