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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

King Charles and Queen Camilla hit by more protests at historic Royal Maundy service

King Charles and Queen Camilla have faced yet more protestors at an historic royal Easter service today.

The couple were at York Minster for the annual Royal Maundy service, where Charles fulfilled the ancient duty of distributing Maundy money to community stalwarts.

It was the first time he had carried out the duty as King - although he stepped in for the late Queen last year, who was unable to carry out the service.

Today, the King and Queen, wearing a navy and white dress by Fiona Clare and a Philip Treacy hat, were greeted at the Great West Doors by the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.

King Charles and Queen Camilla wave to the crowds at York Minster after the traditional Royal Maundy service (Getty Images)
The couple wave to the crowds (Getty Images)

They were presented with the traditional nosegay, a small flower bouquet intended to ward off unpleasant smells, as they entered the cathedral.

The royal couple were greeted by hundreds of cheering well-wishers but also a handful of noisy demonstrators as they left their car in the sunshine.

The group from the anti-monarchy organisation Republic held up signs saying "Not My King" after they promised to target events leading up to the Coronation. They've already targeted engagements in Milton Keynes and Colchester as well as the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey last month.

However, once inside, the royal couple carried out the traditional gesture with Charles presenting 74 men and 74 women - reflecting his age - with the Maundy money in front of a congregation of 1,500.

The King and Queen posed for a picture on the steps of the Minster (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Protestors were waiting as King Charles handed out traditional Maundy money alongside Queen Camilla (ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The money is presented to thank the recipients for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities.

The King presented each recipient with a red and a white purse, stopping to chat with many.

The white purse contained a set of specially-minted silver Maundy coins equivalent in value to the age of the King. The red purse contained two commemorative coins.

Protestors held up signs saying 'Not My King' as he arrived with Camilla in his car (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Protestors have been targeting events leading up to the Coronation (Getty Images)

This year, one celebrates the King's forthcoming 75th birthday and the other commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation.

After the royal couple emerged, they spent 20 minutes in the sunshine talking to the crowd in a lengthy walkabout.

The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony which originated in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples the day before Good Friday.

The Maundy service comes after it was revealed the King and Queen will celebrate their coronation by appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony with just the working royals.

The protestors ahead of the Maundy Service (PA)

His Majesty's decision to appear in the historic moment with just his closest and most loyal family members will show his vision of a slimmed-down monarchy, royal sources said.

The roaring finale event on Saturday, May 6 will also include a spectacular flypast over the royal family's HQ.

Detailed plans seen by The Mirror reveal how the King has chosen to say thanks for the nation alongside a select few royals who have dedicated their lives to public service, while also showing "the heartbeat and future of his family".

Charles and Camilla will travel from Westminster Abbey in the Gold State coach back to Buckingham Palace, joined in procession with the chosen group.

Future king and queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales will appear with their three children - Prince George, nine; Princess Charlotte, seven and Prince Louis, four.

The final group of 15 shows there is no place for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, should they even decide to attend the coronation.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have still not responded to an official invitation by the King, although rumours of their demands to be included on the balcony are said to be "wide of the mark", according to palace insiders.

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