For the first time in nearly half a century, the Royal Maundy service will be held at Durham Cathedral.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend the historic ceremony, continuing the long-standing tradition of distributing Maundy coins to individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving their communities. The last time this sacred service took place at Durham Cathedral was in 1967.
A tradition rooted in centuries of history
Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Royal Maundy service originated as a ritual where the reigning Monarch would wash the feet of the poor, mirroring Jesus' act of humility towards his disciples at the Last Supper. Over time, the tradition evolved to include the distribution of alms, which continues today.
The service is always held on Maundy Thursday, three days before Easter. This year, King Charles will present specially minted Maundy coins to 76 men and 76 women, symbolizing his age. Each recipient will receive two purses: a red one containing a symbolic gift of money, food, and clothing, and a white one holding Maundy coins equivalent in value to the King’s years.
A special moment in King Charles' reign
The first Maundy service of King Charles III’s reign was held in York. However, in 2024, due to his cancer treatment, he was unable to attend the ceremony at Worcester Cathedral. Queen Camilla stepped in on his behalf, distributing the Maundy money in a touching display of royal duty.
Queen Elizabeth II had established the tradition of moving the Royal Maundy service to different locations across the country. Before her reign, it was mostly held in London.
A warm welcome in Durham
The Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Dr. Philip Plyming, expressed his joy at hosting the event, saying, “We are both honoured and delighted that The King and Queen are coming to Durham for this year’s Royal Maundy Service. All of us at Durham Cathedral look forward to welcoming them and being part of this special celebration of volunteering in the local community.”
The Royal Maundy service at Durham Cathedral will take place on April 17th, marking a significant moment in both religious and royal history. Photo by Roy Hughes, Wikimedia commons.