King delivers Easter message in which he says world still needs 'faith, hope and love'

The King has released an Easter message reflecting on the examples of "great cruelty and great kindness" that "daily come before our eyes" - saying they should remind the world of the importance of the "virtues of faith, hope and love".

Charles wrote: "One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness. "This paradox of human life runs through the Easter story and in the scenes that daily come before our eyes - at one moment, terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war-torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others." Reflecting on what he believes we could learn from Easter today, he added: "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". Charles also spoke of his "profound sense of admiration for their resilience, courage and compassion" for humanitarian workers he met at Buckingham Palace a few weeks ago.

When he was Prince of Wales, he started to release a message at Easter. Now as King he has continued that tradition, something which Queen Elizabeth II did not do.

The King is supreme governor of the Church of England, but both as heir and monarch has been dedicated to working with, and celebrating, other faiths. Showing his message is not just addressed to a Christian congregation, he said: "The love He (Jesus) 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 shared his message ahead of attending the annual Maundy service with the Queen, which is this year being held at Durham Cathedral.

Read more:Why the royal Italy tour has been a great triumphPhoto of King and Queen meeting Pope released "On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon Him," Charles wrote in his Easter message. "His humble action was a token of His love that knew no bounds or boundaries and is central to Christian belief." The King has been pictured speaking to members of the congregation.

At the service, the King will present the Maundy recipients - 76 men and 76 women - with two purses: one red and one white, containing Maundy Money. This year, the Red Purse contains a £5 coin commemorating The Queen Mother, and a 50p coin which features stories of World War Two.

They are given to recipients in recognition of outstanding Christian service and work in their local communities. The distribution of alms and the washing of the feet on the Thursday of Holy Week are an ancient tradition.

The Royal Maundy can be traced back in England to the 13th century. Last year, Camilla had to attend the service on the King's behalf as doctors advised him to avoid public duties because of his cancer diagnosis..