The message was recorded from the King’s desk in Buckingham Palace, and played during Royal Maundy – a religious service in the Church of England held on Maundy Thursday, one day before Good Friday. At this service Queen Camilla gifted Maundy Money to 75 men and 75 women in recognition of benevolence to their local churches and communities. They also received a special 50p piece made to mark the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s 200th anniversary.

King Charles stressed the importance of acts of kindness “especially in times of need. The service has its origin in the life of Our Lord who knelt before his disciples and, to their great surprise, washed their travel-weary feet and, as we have just heard, in doing so he deliberately gave to them and to us all an example of how we should serve and care for each other. In this country we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare. But over and above these organisations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need. The 150 men and women who have been chosen today to receive the Maundy money from my wife are wonderful examples of such kindness, of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities. The act of worship, here in Worcester Cathedral, reminds me of the pledge I made at the beginning of the coronation service – to follow Christ’s example ‘not to be served but to serve’. 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. May God bless you all this Easter.”