The first Maundy service of the reign of King Charles III is to be held in one of the oldest minsters in Europe. The ceremony, in which the Monarch will distribute Maundy money for the first time since taking the throne, will take place in York Minister.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will take part in the ceremony at the Minster on Maundy Thursday, April 6th 2023.
The participation of the Monarch in a Maundy service is one of the most ancient traditions of royal life. It is now a symbolic ceremony but it began with kings and queens giving money to those in need and showing humility by washing the feet of their poorer subjects, just as Jesus had washed the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper.
Now, the Monarch hands out purses of specially minted coins to people who have been chosen for outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities. The number of men and women always matches the Monarch’s age – in 2023, there will be 74 men and 74 women receiving coins from The King.
Each receives two purses – one made of white leather holding coins to the value in pence of the Monarch’s age and the other made of red leather, containing a special £5 and a special 50p. These will be the first Maundy coins of the reign of King Charles.
The Dean of York, the very Reverend Dominic Barrington, said ”We are honoured that His Majesty has chosen York Minster to be his cathedral church for the first Maundy Service of his reign. Taking place in Holy Week, this historic service symbolises, humility, care, kindness and appreciation of others. The King’s Maundy gift will be a moment of celebration and thanksgiving for 148 exceptional people who have made an impact in their communities.”
Although this is the first Maundy service of the reign of King Charles III, it is not the first time His Majesty has distributed the coins. In 2022, while still heir to the throne, he oversaw the ceremony on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. It took place at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.
Queen Elizabeth II distributed Maundy money at York Minister twice in her reign. The first time was in 1972 and the second was in 2012, the year of her Diamond Jubilee.
