King Charles says it is time for nation to extend the hand of friendship 'especially in a time of need' in a personal Easter message in the wake of cancer diagnoses for him and Princess of Wales

King Charles has emphasised the importance of extending a hand of friendship to those in need, as a new portrait of the monarch is released.

After being advised by doctors not to undertake public engagements with large numbers of people while undergoing cancer treatment, His Majesty has decided to record a special audio message to be played at Thursday's annual Maundy Service.

Held this year at Worcester Cathedral, it is one of the most significant set-piece events in the royal calendar each year and held huge spiritual significance for Queen Elizabeth.

Every Thursday before Easter Sunday the sovereign hands out gifts of coins equivalent to their age to pensioners who have contributed to their church and community.

The ceremony dates back to the 4th Century and commemorates Jesus washing the feet of his Apostles at the last supper.

Queen Camilla will be standing in for His Majesty for the first time this year.

But earlier this month her husband recorded a special message and Bible reading in the 18th Century Room at Buckingham Palace to be played to the congregation.

While there is no mention of family health matters - his own cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as that of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales - his message of support will appear even more poignant.

His Majesty will say how the Lord Jesus set us an 'example of how we should serve and care for each other'.

He goes on to emphasise how, as a nation, 'we benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need'.

The King will say that the Maundy money recipients are 'wonderful examples of such kindness' in 'giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities'.

And he will re amplify his own Coronation pledge 'not to be served but to serve'.

It was recorded as an audio instead of on video as Worcester Cathedral does not have the capacity to play a television message.

The new portrait which accompanies the message shows the King looking relaxed and in good spirits, with a posy of spring flowers next to him, despite his personal ordeal.

His Majesty will also lead a smaller than normal family party given the absence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family to church at Windsor on Easter Sunday, his most significant public appearance his his diagnosis in early February.

He is continuing to undertake private meeting and work on state business, and yesterday received His Excellency Mohamed Nasheed, secretary-general of the climate vulnerable forum, to Buckingham Palace.

Charles appeared cheerful and chipper on Tuesday as he carried on his 'business as usual' outlook amid his battle with cancer.

The monarch smiled as he met Mohamed Nasheed, 56, Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

Despite being told by his doctors to cancel his public engagements ahead of his surgery, the King has insisted on keeping up with his paperwork and holding meetings.  

Charles appeared in good spirits as he met with Mr Nasheed, who has won numerous awards for his work on environmental protection and the fight against climate change.

Mr Nasheed was also the first democratically elected president of the Maldives when he took power in 20087 after a campaign of nonviolent civil disobedience against dictator Maumoon Gayoom.