King Charles, while undergoing treatment for a cancer diagnosis, recently praised people he said "extend the hand of friendship, especially in a time of need", and pledged to continue serving the nation of Britain.

The remarks were made in a recorded message at the ancient Maundy Thursday church service at Worchester Cathedral, which the king will miss due to his illness.

"In this country, we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare," he says in the message which was recorded along with a bible reading earlier this month."

"But over and above these organizations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need."

The recording was made before the revelation that his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales and wife to Prince William, issued a video recording where she revealed her treatment of preventative chemotherapy after it was revealed that she had cancer as well following abdominal surgery.

King Charles is due to join family members on Sunday for an Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle that will be scaled down. It will be his first public appearance at an official royal event since it was revealed he was suffering from an undisclosed form of cancer in February.

Queen Camilla will step in for the king at the traditional Maundy service, presenting 75 men and 75 women, to mark the king's age, with two small purses containing symbolic gifts of specially minted coins.

The custom dates back centuries and recognizes recipients for their outstanding Christian service.

"It is for me a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today," Charles says in his message. "This act of worship here in Worcester Cathedral reminds me of the pledge I made at the beginning of the coronation service, to follow Christ's example, not to be served, but to serve."That I have always tried to do and continue to do with my whole heart."