Queen Camilla stands in for cancer-stricken King Charles as she attends ... trends now

Queen Camilla deputised for King Charles at the ancient Royal Maundy ceremony for the first time today as she continued her royal duties while he is treated for cancer.

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

Charles has recorded an address to be played at the service after being advised not to undertake major public engagements while he is being treated for cancer.

And the King will use his Maundy message to emphasise helping those in need, as a new portrait of the 75-year-old monarch was released ahead of Easter.

Earlier this month Charles recorded a special message and Bible reading in the 18th Century Room at Buckingham Palace, to be played to the congregation.

There is to be 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.

Instead, the King is to stress the importance of acts of friendship 'especially in a time of need' in the personal Easter message.

Charles' pre-recorded audio - his first public words since Kate revealed she was undergoing chemotherapy - will be broadcast in his absence.

He will say how Jesus Christ set an 'example of how we should serve and care for each other', and how as a nation 'we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need'.

While the King does not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law's health, his words will be interpreted as reflecting on the nation's response to his and Kate's challenges as they continue treatment for cancer.

The Princess released an emotional video message last Friday revealing she has started a course of preventative chemotherapy.