1 day ago
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Sean Coughlan
Royal correspondent
King Charles has issued an Easter message of trying to build bridges between different faiths and recognising the efforts of those who provide humanitarian aid in wars and disasters.
"One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness," the King said in a message ahead of the traditional Maundy Service, held this year in Durham Cathedral.
The King and Queen are attending the service at which specially minted coins, the Maundy Money, are presented to 76 men and women - the same number as the King's age.
The King has promoted links between different religions - and this Christian message also praises the goodness in the Jewish and Islamic faiths.
Maundy Money is traditionally given to the elderly, and the coins are distributed to local people, typically pensioners, to thank them for service to their community and charity.
It is one of the oldest royal ceremonies - dating back at least as far as the 13th Century and the reign of King John - and used to feature the monarch washing the feet of the poor as Jesus did.
This year's Maundy Money includes a £5 coin commemorating the Queen Mother and a 50p piece commemorating World War Two.
Before the service, the Bishop of Norwich told them: "It is an act of humility on behalf of the monarch."
In his message on the meaning of Easter, the King talks of the "paradox of human life" in which the heroism of humanitarian workers is contrasted with terrible scenes of suffering in war.
A new Humanitarian Medal has been launched, honouring those who risk their own lives to help others in emergencies and war zones, and the King hailed their selflessness and compassion.
The King arrived for the Maundy Service - a major event in the royal calendar - on Thursday morning, where crowds had gathered outside Durham Cathedral.
He was joined by Queen Camilla, who stood in for him at last year's service while he was undergoing cancer treatment.
For Christians, the Maundy Thursday service marks the Last Supper - and the King's message speaks of the humility of Jesus who "knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon him".
The King said that for people of all religions who "seek the good of others", the core message is one of love for others.
"There are three virtues that the world still needs - faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love," said the King's message.
King Charles is a man of faith and was said by Palace officials to have been deeply moved by the religious mosaics he saw in Ravenna on last week's state visit to Italy.
