At a time when Britain’s confidence in many of its national institutions is wobbling, and with his own family weathering both ill health and a continuing schism with his younger son, the King’s timely commendation of the core Christian virtues of kindness, understanding and selflessness holds added power and poignancy. The monarch’s ongoing cancer treatment prevented his attendance at the Royal Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral, yet his recorded contribution was no less powerful for not being delivered in person. His Majesty’s faith and devotion shone through in what he said and the way he said it.
In praising those who “extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need”, the King was presumably alluding to the clinicians seeking to restore
