Prince Charles delivers Easter message

Prince Charles has released a videotaped Easter message offering support for persecuted Christians around the world.

The message released Friday was recorded earlier this month at Charles' Clarence House residence in central London.

He expressed sympathy for people who have "had to flee for their faith and for their life" and says he had been deeply moved by their courage and ability to forgive.

He said all three Abrahamic faiths had endured persecution when religion "has fallen into the barbaric grip of those who distort and misrepresent faith".

Charles is heir to the British throne. He has spoken out in the past on the need for religious tolerance.