Queen Camilla is set to make history in the coming weeks as she prepares to lead the Royal Maundy Service on March 28 on behalf of King Charles. This announcement was made by Worcester Cathedral, where the service will take place. The Royal Maundy Service is an ancient tradition dating back to 600 A.D., where the British monarch distributes Maundy money to local pensioners as a symbolic gesture.
The word 'Maundy' originates from the Latin word for 'commandment,' and the service is held annually on the Thursday before Easter. The monarch distributes gifts based on the number of years the recipients have lived. This year, 75 men and 75 women will receive ceremonial coins, each presented with two coin purses containing standard coins for food and clothing, as well as Maundy coins equivalent to the monarch's age.
Queen Elizabeth, during her record 70-year reign, attended the Maundy Service almost every single year. She modified the tradition to rotate around the country, visiting every Anglican Cathedral in England by 2017. The Royal Maundy Service was a significant event on her calendar, with her final service held in 2019 at St. George's Chapel.
Last year marked King Charles and Queen Camilla's first Maundy ceremony as the new royal couple. Queen Camilla has been a pillar of support for King Charles during his cancer treatment, continuing with her public duties alongside him. She is described as his 'strength and stay,' providing him with the support needed to fulfill his royal responsibilities.
