‘Gaunt’-Looking King Charles, Stricken by Cancer, Shares His Sadness

King Charles avoided referring directly to his or Kate Middleton’s recent health travails in a special Easter message broadcast Thursday, but praised those who “extend the hand of friendship” in times of need and overtly extolled “Christian” virtues.

The pre-recorded audio message was played at the traditional Maundy Thursday service at which the monarch hands or symbolic alms called “Maundy money” to individuals who have performed “outstanding Christian service.”

The king did not attend in person this year as he is under doctor’s orders to avoid crowds while being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer. The queen stood in for him.

Read more at The Daily Beast.