King lauds friendship ‘in time of need’ in first comments since princess’s diagnosis

Pre-recorded message for Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral will be played as Camilla stands in for monarch

King Charles will highlight the importance of friendship in a time of need" on Thursday in his first public comments since the Princess of Wales announced that she was receiving treatment for cancer.

In his second Easter message as king, Charles will say how Christ 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".