King Charles has followed the ancient tradition of handing out Maundy money at a ceremony at Durham Cathedral.
The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, presented purses of specially minted coins to 76 men and 76 women chosen from the local community for their service to others. The number of men and women reflects the Monarch’s age, as is traditional.
Each recipient was given two purses. The white pouch contains specially made ‘Maundy coins which match the Monarch’s age in value – this year, each person received 76p. It is a symbolic gesture to mirror the former practice of giving money, food and clothes to those in need.
The red purse holds commemorative coins. This year, they were a £5 coin marking the 125th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. The other was a 50p coin commemorating stories of World War Two, given just weeks ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus ate with his disciples and washed their feet before going to the Garden of Gethsemane where he was betrayed. The Maundy service traces its roots back to the 13th century when King John was the first monarch recorded as handing out alms to the poor and washing their feet. Since the 15th century, the link to the Monarch’s age has been made.
Queen Elizabeth II decided to take the Maundy service around the country. Durham Cathedral is one of the oldest in England and the full pageantry of Royal Maundy was on show with ceremonial guards for the purses of special coins.
King Charles spent some time talking to each of the recipients. Afterwards, The King and Queen met many of the wellwishers waiting for them outside, including a corgi. There was a small anti monarchy protest at the same time.
The King seemed relaxed throughout the day and was clearly happy to be able to take part in the service again – he had to miss the 2024 ceremony as he was in the early stages of his treatment for cancer and had been advised by doctors to avoid public facing engagements.
Ahead of the service, The King issued his Easter message in which he spoke of the importance of love for all.
The King and Queen will spend Easter at Windsor where they will attend a special service at St. George’s Cathedral.
