Churches offer prayers for the Princess of Wales and her family

The Church of England has released wording of a suggested prayer, which can be used in full or adapted by churches or people individually – Samir Hussein

Churches around Britain are praying for the Princess of Wales and her family today, after she disclosed she is having treatment for cancer.

The Princess, who is 42 and has three children, will be in the prayers of Christian worshippers, who ask God to grant her family “faith, hope, and knowledge of your love”.

The Church of England has released wording of a suggested prayer, which can be used in full or adapted by churches or people individually. The Prayer for HRH the Princess of Wales reads: “Gracious God. We pray for the continued recovery of the Princess of Wales, for her husband, and for their family.

“Grant to them, and to all who are affected by sickness, faith, hope, and knowledge of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Some churches have chosen to share further thoughts, with Westminster Abbey publishing a social media message to say: ““Everyone at Westminster Abbey wishes The Princess of Wales well following the news of her cancer diagnosis.”

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said: “In the face of this news, it is our hope that Her Royal Highness will feel sustained by the love that surrounds her and find renewed hope in the prayers that we offer.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, said on Friday:  “I join the whole country, and the world, in praying for her full recovery.

“I take this opportunity to praise her for her spirit of optimism in the face of such difficult news, and am pleased to hear that she is feeling stronger every day.

“Her bravery in sharing in this way and her continued commitment to supporting others speaks to her compassion and sense of service.

“Please join with me in praying for the Royal family as they deal with this private matter and I would urge people to respect their privacy at this time.”

Other religions have also offered good wishes to the Princess.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, sending a message on Saturday night, said: “Now that Shabbat has concluded, I join people throughout the UK and across the globe in expressing my sadness in learning that the Princess of Wales is battling cancer and I extend heartfelt wishes to her for a ‘refuah shelema’ – a swift and complete recovery.”

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