Royal expert dishes on the decision behind King Charles' Easter audio message - Nine Shows

Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers has revealed why King Charles' Easter message, delivered at the Maundy Thursday service, only featured audio.

The King issued a heartfelt speech to the public on the eve of Good Friday, expressing the importance of extending "the hand of friendship" during times of need, as both he and his daughter in law, Princess Kate, undergo cancer treatment.

King Charles issued a heartfelt speech to the public on the eve of Good Friday. (Nine)

But he did not appear in person at the Worcester Cathedral service where the audio message was played, breaking a tradition dating back to the 13th century.

Myers revealed the cathedral does not have video capabilities, which could point to the decision to instead use audio.

"It was originally going to just be an audio message for the congregation and it's of course now been extended because the King wasn't able to attend.," Myers said.

While the King didn't explicitly reference his or Kate's cancer battles, Myers said it was safe to say the message was indicative of testing times for the monarchy.

Myers said Princess Catherine would be taking an extended leave of absence from royal duties. (Nine)

"It's certainly a time where the royal family is coming together and certainly I think that King Charles echoed that in his Easter message, extending the hand of friendship to people in their hour of need," Myers said.

"We are hopefully going to see him on Easter Sunday as well and I think that will be an important step for the King to be seen to exude this sort of mode of unity and stability for the monarchy in such a testing time."

The palace initially said the Princess of Wales would return to royal duties around Easter, but Myers said people should not expect to see her at more than "a smattering of royal events".

Myers revealed theWorcester Cathedral does not have video capabilities, which could be why King Charles did not appear on video. (Nine)

"I think that this is a very testing time not physically but also mentally for her and her family," he said.

"You might see her at Trooping of the Colour, the King's official birthday in June, but only if she's feeling up to it."

Watch the full video in the player above.

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2024-03-29 08:47:47Z
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