Queen Camilla steps in for King Charles at historic Easter service as he reveals 'great sadness'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Queen Camilla has stepped in for King Charles at a major Easter service, as he continues his cancer treatment. This year's traditional pre-Easter service was held at Worcester Cathedral, where the Queen handed out the Royal Maundy Money on behalf of her husband.This is thought to be the first time a monarch's spouse has been given this task.

King Charles wasn't entirely absent from the service though as a pre-recorded audio message was played to the congregation.In it, the King highlighted the importance of acts of friendship "especially in a time of need", referring to his and the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis.

He also expressed his sadness at not being able to attend the service.In his recorded Bible reading and personal message, he praised the recipients of the Maundy money as "wonderful examples of such kindness".

He commended them for "giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities", reports the Mirror.He also spoke about how 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".He shared: "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is, for me, a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today.