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King Charles shares a personal health update while attending an Easter event in Durham, adding a little humor to mask the weight of his words. The British monarch has spent little over a year battling cancer, first diagnosed last February after undergoing surgery to treat an enlarged prostate. Despite his health condition, the monarch has continued attending to his duties as King, including a line of international visits to countries like France, Australia, and most recently to Italy, where he met the Pope. His infectious energy throughout the ordeal gives his people level of reassurance that the worst wasn’t on the horizon.
During his recent appearance at Durham Cathedral, where he attended the Maundy service, an annual public ceremony observed on Holy Thursday, His Majesty appeared at his best, prompting an onlooker to commend his health. The 54-year-old, who met King Charles outside the Durham Cathedral and introduced him to her corgi named Lilibeth, the late Queen’s childhood nickname, commented on King Charles’ health, saying “You look well.” In response, the monarch, in his typical humorous way, responded, “You are very kind, but it’s all mirrors.”
King Charles Observe Maundy Thursday Tradition Despite Ailing Health
The implication of his words, although light-hearted, hit deep, as he suggested his seemingly healthy appearance was just an illusion. Many have turned to social media to show support for the British monarch, who continues to show up for his people despite fighting the tough battle for his life. Commending him, one netizen wrote,
“Our beloved Queen Elizabeth would be proud of her son for carrying on where she left off! I admire him during these difficult times. Long may he reign.”
Many relayed how great the King looked despite his illness, commending his light-hearted approach to life. Interestingly, King Charles fulfilled every requirement of the day during the service in Durham, distributing purses containing the symbolic Maundy money to 152 people, including 76 men and 76 women. Traditionally, these coins are distributed to locals, mostly the elderly and pensioners. This year, the monarch handed out two purses to each person, a white one containing Maundy Money worth the value of Charles’ age in pence and a red one containing coinage as a gift to help the recipients acquire basic necessities.
Throughout the service, the loud voice of protesters condemning the monarchy with repeated chants echoed outside the cathedral. However, neither that nor his ailing health deterred King Charles from observing the Maundy ceremony ahead of Easter Sunday. Earlier in the day, the King shared an Easter message commemorating Maundy Thursday. After commending the boundless love Jesus Christ showed to his people through his actions on earth, the monarch attempted to bridge different faiths by stating how Christ’s love is reflected in the beliefs of other religions, be it Jewish or Islam.
The Monarch’s Easter Message Sparks Criticism
His Easter Message has been met with protest from some Christians, who deemed it “morally wrong,” “disgraceful” and “disrespectful to Christians” to mention other religions in an Easter message to Christians. Physical protesters and online critics have made sure to let the King know exactly what they thought about his “virtue signaling” Easter message, with most accusing him of being a sellout. One critic slammed him,
“When are you going to come out as anti-Christian? We are all waiting.”
Another wrote,
“You couldn’t focus on only Christians. I don’t recall you mentioning Christianity during your recent Eid celebrations. Shame on you.”
A third noted that Charles “Seemed to have forgotten [he is] the Head of the Church of England!” adding that the “Easter period should be all about Christianity! Period!” A fourth chipped in,
“I reckon Charlie boy has many deep secrets.”
King Charles’ appearance at the Durham Cathedral ahead of Easter Day marks his first time attending the Maundy service since his cancer diagnosis. Last year, the Queen consort, Camilla, stepped in for her husband on Maundy Thursday, handing out Maundy money to select attendees at Worcester Cathedral, where they held the service as Charles was undergoing treatment for cancer.
While the monarch has notably resumed royal duties fully in the wake of his cancer diagnosis, he continues undergoing treatment to beat the condition, even trying alternative medicine. King Charles’ health took a hit last month when he encountered complications from his cancer treatment that led to his hospitalization. The health scare shook Brits at the time, as it served as a reminder of a reality that many are still unwilling to confront amid the King’s failing health.
