King Charles Appears to Address Conspiracy Theorists Amid Royal Health Crises

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: King Charles III during a reception with Realm High Commissioners and their spouses in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace on September 11, 2022 in London, England. King Charles III ascended the throne of the United Kingdom on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022. (Photo by Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

King Charles seems to have issued a thinly-veiled statement about the recent public response to Kate Middleton's health crisis.

While the monarch didn't appear in person at the traditional Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday, March 28, he did pre-record an audio message that was played while his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, attended in his place.

As reported by NBC, the Easter message placed an emphasis on the power of friendship, “especially in a time of need," and looked to Jesus' "example of how we should serve and care for each other," which could be a pointed message to those who've stirred up drama and criticized the monarchy in the wake of both his and Middleton's recent illnesses.

It's the first statement he's made publicly since his daughter-in-law revealed her cancer diagnosis earlier this month, which is believed to have been made public as a result of incessant backlash over the royal family's handling of her abdominal surgery and recovery, which led to a number of outlandish conspiracy theories.

The king, of course, has been undergoing treatment for his own cancer diagnosis and has stepped back from several of his normal royal duties in the interim. While he has been seen out and about a small handful of times since then, and has confirmed his intent to attend Easter Sunday service—his first major appearance following his diagnosis.

Camilla has been spotted in his place several times, this most recent being a history-making fill-in, as it marks the first time a consort has led the Royal Maundy Service, which dates back to 600 A.D.

Next: Princess Anne’s Son Peter Gives Candid Insight on King Charles' Mindset Amid Cancer Battle