King Charles has praised Islam and Judaism in a surprising Easter message.
The monarch issued an Easter message ahead of his Maundy Thursday outing with Queen Camilla at Durham Cathedral later today.
In the message, the King spoke about Jesus, stating: “On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon Him.
“His humble action was a token of His love that knew no bounds or boundaries and is central to Christian belief.”
King Charles praises Islam and Judaism in surprising Easter message
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King Charles, 76, also spoke about Judaism and Islam, adding: “The love He showed when He walked the Earth reflected the Jewish ethic of caring for the stranger and those in need, a deep human instinct echoed in Islam and other religious traditions, and in the hearts of all who seek the good of others.”
The King’s Easter message comes a few weeks after the Royal Family issued a message to Muslims living in the UK and around the world in celebration of Eid.
The King wrote on social media: “#EidMubarak to Muslims celebrating in the UK and around the world.”
On Monday, the Royal Family additionally sent a message to Sikhs, writing: “Wishing Sikhs across the UK and around the world a very happy #Vaisakhi”.
King Charles attended the Easter Sunday service last yearPA
King Charles has always been a supporter of different religions, despite holding the title of “The Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England”.
For example, in March, Windsor Castle opened its doors for the first open Iftar in the State Apartments’ 1,000-year history.
More than 360 Muslim guests gathered in St George’s Hall to break their Ramadan fast.
The event marked a historic moment for the royal residence, with Muslims breaking their fast in the hall normally reserved for special banquets and state visits.
Muslims celebrated Iftar at Windsor Castle earlier this year
Royal Collection Trust
King Charles shook the hands of royal supporters on Easter Sunday last year
PA
This was the first Iftar gathering held in the State Apartments.
King Charles, who has long promoted interfaith dialogue, was “kept aware of” and “supportive” of the gathering, according to a source.
Elsewhere in his Easter message, the King said: “The abiding message of Easter is that God so loved the world — the whole world — that He sent His son to live among us to show us how to love one another, and to lay down His own life for others in a love that proved stronger than death.
“There are three virtues that the world still needs — faith, hope and love. ‘And the greatest of these is love’. It is with these timeless truths in my mind, and my heart, that I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Easter.”
