King Charles III has handed out Maundy Money at St Asaph Cathedral, continuing a royal tradition stretching back centuries. However, over 800 years after this ceremony first took place, The King added a first. In 2026, royal Maundy was held in north Wales for the very first time.
The ancient ceremony, rooted in centuries-old customs, saw the King distribute Maundy money to a group of carefully selected recipients in recognition of their service to their communities.
This year’s service was especially notable as it marked the first time the Royal Maundy ceremony has been held in North Wales. Bringing the tradition to St Asaph Cathedral highlighted the monarchy’s effort to reflect and include all parts of the United Kingdom. The choice of location carried symbolic weight, recognising the cultural and historical importance of Wales while allowing local communities to take part in an event that was, for decades, held in London.
Maundy Thursday, which falls during Holy Week in the Christian calendar, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and his act of washing the feet of his disciples. The royal Maundy service reflects this spirit of humility and service. Rather than washing feet, as was once the tradition, the monarch distributes specially minted coins to pensioners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their local communities.
This year, the King presented Maundy money to 77 men and 77 women, corresponding to his age. Each recipient received two purses: a red purse containing a small sum in ordinary coinage, and a white purse holding specially struck Maundy coins. The white purse is the most symbolic, as the coins inside are legal tender but are rarely spent, instead kept as cherished mementos of the occasion.
The ceremony unfolded with careful precision, blending solemnity with warmth. As the King moved along the line of recipients, he paused to exchange a few words with many of them, acknowledging their contributions and offering personal thanks. This human element is a key part of the tradition, reinforcing the connection between the monarchy and the people.
The King was accompanied by Queen Camilla who, in 2024, distributed Maundy Money on behalf of The King when he was advised to rest as he was first treated for cancer.
Today’s service also highlighted the King’s ongoing commitment to continuing royal traditions while subtly shaping them for a modern era. Since ascending the throne, he has emphasized community, service, and environmental awareness, themes that resonate strongly with the values celebrated during the Maundy ceremony. His presence in Wales for the service further underlined the importance of representing all parts of the United Kingdom.
The music and liturgy within the cathedral added to the reflective tone of the day. Choirs performed traditional hymns, their voices echoing through the historic stone interior, while readings and prayers focused on themes of compassion, charity, and humility. The service was both a religious observance and a public expression of gratitude toward those who quietly make a difference in society.
For the recipients, the experience was clearly meaningful. Many spoke of feeling honoured not just to receive the coins, but to be recognised by the monarch for work that is often carried out without expectation of reward. Their stories—ranging from decades of volunteering to acts of local leadership—served as a reminder of the strength and resilience found within communities across the country.
As the service concluded, the King departed to applause, leaving behind a sense of continuity and reflection. And there was time for a walkabout after the service with King Charles and Queen Camilla meeting many of those who had come out to see them.
The King and Queen are now heading to Windsor where the will spend the Easter weekend. They are expected to be joined by many members of the Royal Family on Easter Sunday when they will attend a church service at St. George’s Chapel. However, it’s already known that Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie won’t be joining them as they are spending Easter away from Windsor after ongoing controversy around their father, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. He was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released under investigation.
