King Charles III has shared a heartfelt Easter message reflecting on the contrasts of human nature—our capacity for both cruelty and compassion—while the world continues to face conflict
and suffering.
Ahead of the annual Maundy Thursday service at Durham Cathedral, the 76-year-old monarch emphasized the enduring need for “faith, hope, and love” in today’s world.
“One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness,” Charles said. He pointed to the ongoing suffering in war-torn regions, highlighting both the horrors of conflict and the heroic efforts of humanitarian workers who risk their lives for others.
He tied his message to the meaning of Easter, calling it a reminder of God's deep love and the power of selfless sacrifice:
“God so loved the world… that He sent His son to live among us, to show us how to love one another, and to lay down His own life for others in a love that proved stronger than death.”
The King wished the nation a “blessed and peaceful Easter,” marking the occasion with the traditional Royal Maundy ceremony. In this centuries-old service, 76 men and 76 women are honored for their Christian service with specially minted coins.
Despite ongoing cancer treatment, which has led to a reduced schedule and some canceled public engagements, Charles continues to carry out select duties. He recently traveled to Italy with Queen Camilla, even meeting privately with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the type of cancer Charles is battling but confirmed it was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate in early 2024. The King remains hopeful about returning to his full public role in time. Photo by VitVit, Wikimedia commons.